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Blackhawks Announce Connor Bedard Injury Update Before Capitals Game
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- Blackhawks Announce Connor Bedard Injury Update Before Capitals Game
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard
(Matt Krohn-Imagn Images)
The Chicago Blackhawks released an update on Connor Bedard ahead of Saturday's road game against the Washington Capitals.
Bedard has been sidelined since Dec. 12 after an awkward collision late against the St. Louis Blues. He was injured on a faceoff and immediately grabbed his right shoulder. Chicago has struggled in his absence.
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The Athletic's Mark Lazerus reported that Bedard has resumed shooting. Head coach Jeff Blashill said the young center looked sharp during recent sessions, saying, "He's certainly excited to be out there and shooting, and it looked like he was ripping it pretty good yesterday."
So, Bedard remains out due to his upper-body injury, but progress is there. However, the team still has no clear return date.
Despite missing time, Bedard, 20, still leads Chicago with 44 points in 31 games. He has 19 goals and 25 assists. Before the injury, he ranked among the NHL 's top scorers, and his impact has extended beyond offense this season.
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Blashill recently defended Bedard after he was left off Team Canada for the 2026 Olympics.
"The one thing I would say is, I don't think the rest of the league knows how good of a two-way winning hockey player Connor has become," Blashill said .
Blashill praised Bedard's two-way growth and winning impact, noting Chicago's drop in results without him. The Hawks have lost eight out of their last 10 games, including the game Bedard went down.
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Chicago enters the game against Washington with a 15-18-7 record and sits near the bottom of the Central Division. Defensive issues remain, but Bedard's return could stabilize play.
For now, the Blackhawks remain cautious, because Bedard's long-term health stays their priority.
Chicago visits Washington at 7 p.m. ET Saturday.
Related: Blackhawks HC's Strong Message After Connor Bedard's Team Canada Olympics Snub
Related: Matthew Knies and Nico Hischier's Fight Draws Attention in Maple Leafs-Devils Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
