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Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard hit with brutal update after shoulder injury
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- Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard hit with brutal update after shoulder injury
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Blackhawks' Connor Bedard hit with brutal update after shoulder injury appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Chicago Blackhawks are coming out of the offseason with a new top defenseman in Bowen Byram . While not everyone loved that move, the club is loading up around their budding star. But on Wednesday, the Blackhawks announced that Connor Bedard will miss four months with a shoulder injury that requires surgery .
"This morning, Connor Bedard underwent successful surgery to repair his left shoulder," the Blackhawks announced. "We expect him to make a full recovery in an approximate timeline of four months."
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If this timeline holds true, Bedard could return in early November, which will be over a month into the season. The NHL's new 84-game schedule begins in late September, and Chicago will be without Bedard to start the year.
Bedard suffered the injury during a drill at an offseason practice. The video surfaced on the internet shortly after the NHL Draft, but no word came from the Blackhawks until Wednesday.
Bedard needs a new contract, as he is currently a restricted free agent. Leo Carlsson, the second pick in the 2023 Draft, signed an $18 million offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers . Bedard is offer-sheet eligible, so any team could negotiate a contract with him right now. This injury could throw a wrench into that as the summer rolls along.
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The Blackhawks have plenty of cap space, even after giving Byram a monstrous contract. They are building the team around Bedard, but they will have to get the season started on the right foot without him. What kind of contract will Bedard sign now after this unfortunate update?
Related: Blackhawks rumors: How much Connor Bedard is looking for on next contract
