Chicago Blackhawks Rookie Connor Bedard Placed on Injured Reserve with Fractured Jaw
Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard has suffered a fractured jaw and has been placed on injured reserve. The team is unsure of the length of his absence.
Fractured Jaw Puts Bedard on Injured Reserve
Chicago Blackhawks rookie sensation Connor Bedard fractured his jaw after a hit by defenseman Brendan Smith in a game against the New Jersey Devils. He left the game in the first period and was evaluated by specialists when the team returned home.
Bedard's injury is a significant blow to the Blackhawks, as he leads all NHL rookies in goals and assists this season. His performance had earned him a selection to the upcoming NHL All-Star Game.
The team has not provided a timeline for Bedard's return, and they are currently evaluating their options to fill the void left by his absence.
Injury Woes Continue for the Blackhawks
Connor Bedard and Nick Foligno are the latest additions to the Blackhawks' long list of injured players. Bedard's injury comes as a major setback, considering his impact on the team as a rookie. In addition to Bedard and Foligno, several other forwards are also sidelined with various injuries.
The team has been actively seeking reinforcements and has made trades and waiver claims to bolster their forward group. However, the absence of key players like Bedard poses a significant challenge for the Blackhawks.
The team's next game is against the Calgary Flames, and they will have to find ways to compensate for the absence of Bedard and other injured players.
No Intent on the Hit, Say Coaches
The hit that caused Connor Bedard's injury has sparked some discussion about its nature. Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson believes it was an accidental collision, with no intent to injure on Brendan Smith's part.
Devils coach Lindy Ruff also stated that he didn't see any intent to harm in Smith's hit. Both coaches acknowledged that injuries are an unfortunate part of the game and emphasized the importance of player awareness on the ice.
While the hit may have been unintentional, it still leaves the Blackhawks without one of their key players for an extended period of time.
