Nick Foligno forces Brendan Smith to pay for his check on Connor Bedard

Nick Foligno was acquired by the Chicago Blackhawks with every intention of him protecting Conor Bedard. So far this season Bedard has stayed relatively healthy and avoided most physical contact. However, against the New Jersey Devils that changed.

In the first period of tonight's game Bedard cut across the Devil's blue line. Unaware of his surroundings. New Jersey defender Brendan Smith took the opportunity to step up and deliver a huge hit. The hit sent Bedard to the ice and drew an immediate crowd.

The Blackhawks were unhappy and felt they didn't get their pound of flesh. So things once again escalated in the second. Nick Foligno took the opportunity to challenge Smith who happily obliged. The two drop the gloves and settled the score.

The Blackhawks announced that Bedard would not return to tonight's game.

Update: