Blackhawks' Bedard to miss start of season

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 9, 2026

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard underwent surgery on his left shoulder and is expected to miss the start of the NHL season, with a full recovery projected in about four months. This means Bedard will likely return around early October, impacting the team's lineup at the beginning of the season.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard will be sidelined at the start of the upcoming NHL season following surgery on his left shoulder. The procedure took place on Wednesday, with team physician Michael Terry projecting a full recovery within approximately four months.

Bedard, who will turn 21 on July 17, sustained the injury while skating with a group of NHL players in his hometown of Vancouver last week. Although the NHL has yet to release the official regular-season schedule, the Blackhawks opened last season on October 7, providing a potential reference point for Bedard’s expected return.

In related NHL roster news, the Utah Mammoth have matched an offer sheet from the New Jersey Devils for center Barrett Hayton. The 26-year-old signed a one-year contract valued at $4.775 million for the next season.

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