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Blackhawks' Connor Bedard Breaks Silence on Potential Shoulder Surgery
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- Blackhawks' Connor Bedard Breaks Silence on Potential Shoulder Surgery
The Chicago Blackhawks will be without Connor Bedard until at least January, and the 20-year-old center offered his first public comments on his shoulder injury on Monday.
Speaking during a recorded appearance on Sportsnet's "32 Thoughts" podcast with Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas released on Tuesday, Bedard addressed the issue while keeping his comments a bit vague.
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Bedard's interview appeared to have been taped shortly before head coach Jeff Blashill announced that Bedard would be out until the New Year.
Asked directly for an update and more information on his injury, Bedard kept details limited .
"Yeah, I mean, I guess it probably doesn't come out yet, so I'll keep it vague," Bedard said. "Just shoulder thing, and it's feeling pretty good. So just starting that rehab process and hopefully be back as soon as possible."
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Bukauskas pressed about the possibility of requiring surgery. Bedard again declined specifics.
"Yeah, like I said keep it vague unfortunately for you guys," Bedard said. "But as of right now I'm going to try to rehab it and, you know, it's feeling good, and obviously we have good people working. That's for sure what I'm thinking is just to rehab it and start playing again."
Blashill confirmed the Blackhawks don't expect Bedard to play again in December and will reevaluate him in January. The coach said the timeline reflects the team's approach, not the player's mindset.
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Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) exchanges words with a linesman.Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
"Honestly, his attitude is good," Blashill said. "I think he wants to be back next week… he would've preferred I had said day to day, but the reality is we won't let him do that until after the New Year."
Bedard also addressed whether Hockey Canada had reached out regarding his status ahead of Olympic roster deadlines, with the final roster due Dec. 31.
"Not to me personally," Bedard said.
Bedard leads Chicago with 44 points through 31 games and recorded two assists before exiting Friday's loss to the St. Louis Blues with 0.8 to play.
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The Blackhawks begin a three-game road trip Tuesday, with their first game away from Chicago against the Toronto Maple Leafs .
Related: Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews' Blunt Response After Craig Berube's Comments
Related: Blackhawks Announce Connor Bedard Injury Update Before Maple Leafs Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
