It was announced on Monday afternoon that the rookie sensation Connor Bedard is set to make his return to the Blackhawks lineup, much sooner than initially thought.
Bedard makes his possible return next week?
Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson announced that Bedard could be ready to return as early as February 19, which will mark six weeks since the injury occurred.
“I think they just thought everything was on course, so I think maybe later in the week or early next week is probably when they’re targeting for hopefully the last one,” he said. “They just said it was useless to take another image with radiation. Everything was on pace and looks to be on the same timeline that they thought.”
Bedard has been skating with a full face shield since January 15. He started participating in non-contact drills last week.
This has been a difficult year for the 2023 top rookies, as the top three overall picks have all sustained significant injuries in the past few months (Leo Carlsson, Adam Fantilli and Connor Bedard).
Bedard remains the favourite to win the Calder trophy as the leagues best rookie.
The 18-year-old, selected first overall by the Blackhawks last summer, leads all rookies with 15 goals and 18 assists over 39 games this season.
