Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard leaves game Vs. New Jersey Devils with injury

The Chicago Blackhawks announced that forward Connor Bedard would not return to tonight’s game versus the New Jersey Devils following a hit from Devils defenseman Brendan Smith.

The incident occurred late in the first period as Bedard came across the center and tried to stickhandle between Dawson Mercer and Timo Meier before being run over by Smith. Bedard was quick to get up on his own feet and held his mouth as he made his way to the bench. Bedard logged 3:05 minutes of ice time.

The North Vancouver product has a team-leading 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points in 39 games. Bedard leads all rookies in goals, assists and points and is the consensus Calder Trophy favorite. Philipp Kurashev trails with 22 points in 31 games, which appoints to the direct impact Bedard has on the Blackhawks.

Bedard recently became the youngest All-Star ever as the 18-year-old was named to the 2024 NHL All-Star Game in Toronto.

Bedard was selected No. 1 overall by the Blackhawks at the 2023 NHL Draft. He notched an astonishing 71 goals and 72 assists for 143 points in 51 regular season games in the WHL with the Regina Pats. Bedard added an additional ten goals and ten assists for 20 points in 7 playoff games with the Pats. He becomes the first Canadian Hockey League player in history to capture the CHL Top Prospect, Top Player and Top Scorer trophies.

Chicago currently sits eighth in the Central Division with an 11-25-2 record and 24 points through 38 games. The Blackhawks will play the Calgary Flames on Sunday. Head coach Luke Richardson or general manager Kyle Davidson should have an update on Bedard’s status as soon as possible.