Insider Reveals When Connor Bedard is Likely to Make his Return

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TJ Tucker
January 19, 2024 (8:48)

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Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks holding his jaw

Photo credit: Sportsnet

WIth Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks nursing an injured jaw, he can't come back fast enough for Blackhawks fans, and the NHL itself. The 18-year-old has resumed skating on his own in a full mask ahead of what many people expected. One insider believes that trend will continue.

First off, a reminder of how Bedard was injured. It happened during a game against the New Jersey Devils on January 5th, when defenceman Brendan Smith caught the youngster coming over the blueline with a massive, but clean hit.

The initial timeline after undergoing surgery was six to eight weeks. However, Charlie Roumeliotis believes it will be much earlier.

"I'm going to go with February 13 against Vancouver. The Blackhawks have three days off in between [games] and I believe that Vancouver game would be five weeks and one day from the surgery. I still believe Connor is going to be ahead of schedule. Oh, and by the way, the team he grew up rooting for, so that's my target date for him."

The Blackhawks have no reason to rush Bedard when it comes to the standings. They'll be finishing near the bottom of the league either way. However, time on the sidelines means time spent not playing NHL games at a crucial point in Bedard's development. Tough call, but one the team's top brass will have to make if he's that far ahead of schedule.

Previously on Bladeofsteel

Chicago Blackhawks forward ejected from game after dangerous hit

Michael Pezzetta dominates Zach MacEwan in Throwback Tilt

Handshake Line Resurrected Following Outcry from the Hockey Community

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19 JANVIER \| 192 ANSWERS Insider Reveals When Connor Bedard is Likely to Make his Return What do you think of the prediction?
It will be later	74	38.5 %
It will be earlier	45	23.4 %
Bang on	44	22.9 %
Not sure	29	15.1 %
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