On that note, general manager Kyle Davidson provided a heartening update on Bedard’s recovery journey. It’s still early to pop champagne, and even when Bedard is back on the ice in the NHL, Chicago will have to remain wary of any setbacks or threats, but everything is pointing in the right direction.

It may not be long before Bedard returns to action. For the time being, however, Davidson and the Blackhawks are pleased with the commitment from the new team captain and excited about his progress.

“The good thing and the positive thing is that [Bedard] is out there, he is pushing every day. He feels great. He’s cleared every hurdle to this point, which is good,” Davidson stated on Bedard’s rehabbing progress, via Charlie Roumeliotis. “That’s a positive sign. But in terms of an altered timeline either positive or negative, we’re not there yet, but he’s checking every box so far.“

Blackhawks have a plan for Bedard

Though they remain confident about the firepower on the roster, it’s clear the Hawks would want Bedard back in the mix as soon as possible. Based on the original timeline announced back in July, the captain would miss four months, meaning his return will likely come in November.

It’s not ideal to miss Bedard for the start of the 2026-27 NHL campaign, but it doesn’t have to be hope-crushing, either. As Davidson made clear, the coaching and medical staff in Chicago have put together a plan for Bedard’s rehab. Davidson wouldn’t reveal if the 21-year-old is actually ahead, behind or right on schedule, though.

“We’ve got a nice plan moving forward and we’re progressing through that plan over the next number of weeks. Ahead of schedule, behind schedule — all that will be determined much further along in this process,” Davidson said.

Blackhawks will start the season without Bedard

For now, the Blackhawks will have to do with what they have. Anymore updates may follow in the coming weeks. One thing is certain, though, Bedard will be sidelined when the puck drops and the Blackhawks visit the Vegas Golden Knights on Sept. 29 at T-Mobile Arena.

Although the return of “Showtime” Kane to Chicago led many to believe—or wish—that he would become the franchise’s captain, there was an obvious choice in Bedard. Even Kane, who took the decision with grace and had kind words for Bedard, agreed.

“It makes sense in a lot of ways. Kind of a no-brainer,” Kane said about the Blackhawks’ naming of Bedard as team captain.

Kane’s window closed

It takes a lot for Kane to make such a statement. His captaincy window has now closed in Chicago. Hopefully, another Stanley Cup window has opened, instead. As big a legend as he is in the City of Big Shoulders, Kane has never worn the C for the Hawks. Some leaders don’t need a letter on their jerseys, though.

Still, just in case, the Blackhawks have announced Kane will serve as an alternate captain during the 2026-27 NHL season. Bedard will be captain, while Kane and Tyler Bertuzzi will serve as the alternates. Although the team will look at Kane for guidance and leadership, Kane admitted he’s learning valuable lessons himself.

“These guys want to be good players. It’s pushing me in a way, too,” Kane commented. “[I’m] 37, turning 38 and accomplished some great things, but it still feels like there’s a lot left on the table and a lot left to accomplish — because these guys haven’t done it and they’re pushing to do it.”

Last time Chicago named a young captain

Although being led by a 21-year-old at 37 may be a strange feeling for Kane, he has been here before and knows how much success the Blackhawks had the last time they named a captain at such a young age. Back in 2008, the Hawks named Jonathan Toews (20 years, 79 days) as captain.

In fact, Bedard became the second-youngest captain in franchise history, behind only Toews. If the Bedard-led Hawks can have even a third of the success Toews’ dynasty had, then it’s about to become a fun time to be a Blackhawks fan in the NHL.

Blackhawks’ last five captains

Based on all the progress fans have seen from the surgery rehab center throughout the offseason, Bedard could prove the Blackhawks’ initial timeline for his return wrong. However, he knows better than to rush his way back into NHL action and risk suffering a setback.

Making his first statements as captain of the Blackhawks, Bedard made sure not to make promises he may not be able to deliver on—or that may not be wise to make.

“I’m on the ice doing most of everything. Just working in a bit more each day. Timeline-wise, I don’t really know, it’s kind of see as it progresses,” Bedard said during his captain-introductory press conference on Tuesday. “But I’m feeling good and just doing everything I can to get back as soon as possible. It’s obviously going to be tough not playing the first bit [of the season].”

Bedard isn’t away from the team despite injury

Regardless of his cautious approach to a crucial stage of his recovery journey, Bedard did guarantee the organization and every fan in Chicago that he will do his best to be back as soon as possible. For the time being, that’s all the fanbase wants to hear from Bedard.

Even if the Hawks are set to start the 2026-27 NHL season without their brand-new captain on the ice, there’s a lot to be excited about going into the campaign. Plus, Bedard was quick to confess that while being away from the ice stings, he won’t feel as if he’s missing out on valuable time with the rest of the team, as the group inside the locker room is very close.

“We’re together so much away from the rink that you don’t feel like you’re isolated or anything,” Bedard added. “You feel like you’re still part of the team every day, so that’s the biggest thing. When you’re hurt, you’re not around the guys and you miss being a part of that, but I don’t think it will feel like that at all. We’re going to have a great start without me and I can’t wait to join whenever that is.”

Blackhawks’ start to the season

The Blackhawks will make their debut in the 2026-27 NHL season on Sept. 29, when they visit the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Chicago’s home opener will be on Oct. 6 against the St. Louis Blues. Barring a miraculous—or reckless—rehab, Bedard will be absent that night at the United Center, missing Patrick Kane’s first game back in the Windy City.

• Sept. 29: at Vegas Golden Knights
• Oct. 1: at Utah Mammoth
• Oct. 3: at Buffalo Sabres
• Oct. 6: vs St. Louis Blues
• Oct. 8: at New York Islanders

If Bedard can keep it up, he might not miss much time at all in the upcoming NHL campaign. Or indeed, he may, but more as a precaution by the Blackhawks than because he truly needs to be sidelined.

“Bedard continues to ramp up his work as he rehabs from his summer shoulder injury. He was little more aggressive with the shooting today than he was from what I saw on Friday, and he was moving pretty well on the ice. All of this is very encouraging,” Tab Bamford reported on Bleacher Nation after the Blackhawks’ unofficial team practice on Monday.

Bedard rehabbing from shoulder surgery

When the Blackhawks announced Bedard had undergone offseason surgery on his left shoulder, the team stated he would be out for four months, with an estimated return set for November.

Clearly, Bedard wants to prove the timeline wrong and be back—if it were up to him—for the season opener in Las Vegas on Sept. 29. He may be a star and look even older than he is when he talks and leads the Hawks on a nightly basis, but Bedard is still 21 years old and learning life in the NHL. Some things he may still not know better. It’s up to Chicago not to mess things up with his recovery from surgery on his left shoulder.

“Bedard is still skating on his own; he is not medically cleared to resume skating with contact with the rest of the Blackhawks,” Bamford added in his report. For the time being, any suggestion that Bedard will be back on a certain date is only a wild guess and should be taken as such.

Bedard could be healthy, but not active

Still, what’s indeed probable is that Bedard beats his original recovery timeline. It may take less time than the Blackhawks imagined for Bedard to be healthy and fit to play. Whether he does play or not, that’s a whole different question. Bedard may hope to talk himself into the lineup and prove his form in practice, but Jeff Blashill will have to know better.

As intense as scrimmages in practice can be, Bedard’s teammates will always hold back a bit before making contact with him, especially if he’s yet to make his official return to NHL action. The Blackhawks will only get one chance at nailing Bedard’s return game, and they can’t mess it up.

There are no refunds, and the franchise player is at stake in a season as paramount as the upcoming one will be for the entire organization. Too many jobs will be on the line in Windy City come fall. And they will all go as far as Bedard can take them.

“He feels as good as he has in a long time,” Blashill said about Kane, via the Chicago Sun-Times. “He’s skating well; he’s moving well. Guys that play with their brain first seem to last a long time in this league, and he certainly has.”

Kane hasn’t played a full season since the 2020-21 NHL campaign, which was shortened to 56 games. His last full 82-game season was back in 2017-18, with the Hawks. Since then, he’s missed 71 games (not counting the shortened seasons in 2019-20 and 2020-21).

Considering the Hawks have signed 37-year-old Kane to a two-year, $16 million ($8 million AAV) deal with a total salary of $9 million this season, they will hope to have him available for as many games as possible. And that his production is something to write home about, too.

Good news for the Blackhawks

With the dog days of summer slowly becoming a thing of the past, such a confident message from the coach about the homecoming legend is all fans wanted to hear. Kane is back!

When it’s added to a recent Blackhawks report dismissing concerns around Connor Bedard’s speedy rehab, it looks like the sun is finally coming up for the Blackhawks. It’s been a long time since fans in the Windy City experienced such a feeling.

Blashill on Kane’s role

While Blashill didn’t dive too deep into whether Kane will be handed the C or Bedard will be named captain instead, he did send out a strong message about what Kane’s role will be. Not just on the ice, but off it, too. And perhaps that leadership role behind closed doors will be even more crucial to Chicago’s development.

“[Kane is] going to have a very good impact, and that’s before we start even talking about offensive production,” Blashill commented. “His impact in the locker room, the example and expectation that he sets, how he approaches every single day in terms of reaching for and demanding excellence.”

Tired of being locked away in the NHL’s basement, the young Hawks are ready to kick the door down, but they will need an experienced voice of command to keep them grounded once they get out. That’s where Kane comes in, and why the Blackhawks are paying him the big bucks, even at 37.

That’s right, Chicago isn’t scared of talking Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, in order to talk it into existence, Bedard will likely have to play a big role. Thus, it’s reasonable to think Bedard may feel obliged to rush his way back and return to the ice as soon as possible.

After the star and potential new captain was spotted practicing with Patrick Kane and the rest of the team at Blackhawks Ice Center, fans grew anxious and worried that he may be making too much progress too fast. A report dispelled those concerns, stating Bedard is right on cue and at the stage Chicago expected him to be.

“From what I’m hearing, Connor Bedard’s recovery is going as planned so far. He was expected to be skating at this point,” Scott Powers of The Athletic stated on X. “He’s obviously restricted what he can do on the ice for now. Whether he’s deemed ahead of schedule and can return earlier will be something the Blackhawks asses as his rehab progresses.“

What happened to Bedard?

Gearing up for a crucial season with the Blackhawks—his fourth in the NHL—Bedard suffered a shoulder injury while practicing in his hometown of Vancouver over the summer.

Bedard underwent successful surgery to repair his left shoulder and was assigned a four-month timeline. Based on his original timeline, Bedard is expected to be back in November, missing the first month of the 2026-27 campaign. However, only two months after the surgery, the 21-year-old is already skating and, though moderately, even shooting.

Bedard’s medical history

Health concerns have become a serious issue for the Blackhawks regarding Bedard. The former first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft missed 13 games last season, raising his total games missed throughout his three-year career to 27. Bedard has only played one full season (2024-25) in his career.

Still, the Blackhawks don’t need Bedard to challenge for the Ironman record; they want him to be a goal-and-assists machine whenever he is on the ice. While many mistakenly assume Bedard’s latest setback is related to the “freak accident” that resulted in a shoulder injury last season, it’s actually his other (left) shoulder this time.

Thus, while it’s reasonable to be wary of Bedard’s health issues, this isn’t a result of him being rushed into action before. And it may be why fans have nothing to worry about with Chicago rushing Bedard now. It may feel like he’s making too much progress even for his own good, but Bedard is actually right on schedule.

“There’s a lot of gravity to [Kane’s] presence. There’s huge value in that, but there are also some elements that, if the players aren’t prepared, they might be watching him a little too much. And they haven’t figured out what works for them or gotten comfortable in their own skin,” Davidson said during an appearance on CHGO Blackhawks.

Adding a seasoned NHL star like Kane could create a dilemma for the Blackhawks. Up until now, Chicago had stuck to its rebuilding plan—even if it had little to show for it. For better or worse, landing Kane was a massive shift in the status quo.

Double-edged signing for Blackhawks

Signing Kane is seen by some as the Blackhawks going back on their word and abandoning their previous approach. It doesn’t have to be that way, however. Only time will tell, though.

If Kane is willing to help the young squad in whatever role Jeff Blashill and company ask of him, his presence may bring nothing but positives. However, if the team can’t adapt to Kane—or vice versa—it could erase all the progress the Hawks made, especially late in the 2025-26 NHL season.

Kane’s presence could affect team at times

That’s easier said than done, and having Kane on the ice could lead players to force passes just to get him the puck. That’s one of the things Davidson and the organization hope to avoid. Kane is just another teammate, even if he was a childhood hero to many of Chicago’s young players.

It’s an intriguing aspect of “Showtime’s” return to the Windy City and something to keep an eye on heading into training camp and the regular season.

More often than not, a team’s first selection in the draft is backed by countless hours of scouting and analysis. In this case, it was no different, but the Blackhawks still drafted Villeneuve because the boom-or-bust label attached to the Canadian teenager wasn’t exactly daunting to Chicago. In fact, it might have been exactly what they were after.

“For the Hawks, the risk makes sense because they don’t need a third-pairing plug-in,” Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times stated. “They have other prospects with decent odds of developing into that type of player. What they do need is what every team needs: star power.”

Villeneuve is an intriguing prospect

It will be a while before Blackhawks fans see Villeneuve on a regular basis at the United Center. And that’s if they see him at all. His selection is purely a developmental one. The Hawks have a lot of work to do with the rookie, who in more ways than one reflects the changing times in the NHL.

Hockey traditionalists may have a tough time accepting Villeneuve as a potential first-pairing defenseman, but things have changed around the league. Villeneuve is 5-foot-11 and possesses the traits of the modern-day defenseman.

A quick look around the NHL shows that undersized defensemen can thrive (Lane Hutson and Quinn Hughes, to name a couple). Obviously, towering blueliners haven’t gone extinct and remain pivotal, but size is no longer a prerequisite for a team’s defensive corps. That’s one of the qualities that has the Hawks excited about Villeneuve.

Villeneuve is headed for college

Another factor that aligns with a growing trend among top prospects is that the 18-year-old is headed to the NCAA (Boston University) to develop his game before making the jump to the NHL. Yet another Canadian prospect is choosing the college route in the United States over the Canadian major junior ranks.

Chicago will remain patient with Villeneuve. If he blossoms into a top defenseman, great. If not, it’s not as though the Hawks gave up too much to acquire him.

Blackhawks could face much different situation

Had the Hawks kept their first-round pick and used it on a player who would now be facing sky-high expectations, the situation would be much more difficult.

Instead, the Hawks played their cards differently, and if anyone is facing pressure, it’s Byram. But the 25-year-old, selected fourth overall in 2019, has seven NHL seasons under his belt and is much better prepared for that challenge than a teenager would be.

Only time will tell if Chicago made the right call in the 2026 NHL Draft, but it’s hard to argue with the thought process behind Kyle Davidson and company’s decision.

After leaving the Detroit Red Wings and signing with Chicago, Kane revealed that he has already spoken with longtime teammate Jonathan Toews about the possibility of returning to the NHL.

Although there is no indication that a comeback is imminent, Kane’s latest comments have reignited hope among Blackhawks fans dreaming of one final reunion between two of the organization’s biggest icons.

Patrick Kane asked Jonathan Toews about a comeback

Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews formed one of the greatest duos of the modern era, helping the Blackhawks win three Stanley Cups and defining an unforgettable chapter in franchise history.

Now, with Kane back in Chicago to help the Blackhawks, speculation has begun over whether the legendary captain could be tempted to lace up his skates one more time.

Appearing on Pardon My Take, Kane admitted that he has already floated the idea of Toews returning for another season. “He was like, ‘I’m actually jealous.’ Then, I’m like, ‘Hey, maybe you should come back for a year.’ He’s like, ‘I’m thinking about it.'”

Could Jonathan Toews return with Blackhawks?

Jonathan Toews spent his entire first NHL chapter with the Blackhawks from 2007 through 2023, winning three Stanley Cups alongside Kane before later finishing his playing career with the Winnipeg Jets.

After his final season in Winnipeg, Toews announced his retirement, seemingly closing the book on one of the most decorated careers of his generation. However, Kane’s latest comments have introduced an intriguing possibility.

Even if a return remains unlikely, the fact that Toews admitted he is “thinking about it” is enough to spark optimism that one of the NHL’s most iconic partnerships might not be finished just yet.

However, if he fails to find his footing and the clock starts ticking, a trade may become the wisest option for the Blueshirts. If that happens, three teams with young rosters and a major need on the blue line could come knocking on Chris Drury’s door.

“I’ve wondered about defense-needy teams like the Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks,” Vincent Mercogliano wrote on The Athletic about a potential trade involving Schneider.

Ducks, Sharks, and Blackhawks make sense

Should any of the Ducks, Sharks, or Blackhawks call the Rangers to ask about Schneider, it wouldn’t be surprising. The three boast young lineups in which the offense features an elite center and enough talent—albeit to different extents on each team—to send chills down the spine of opposing defenses.

Another thing the three potential landing spots for Schneider have in common is that each has broken the piggy bank to extend its franchise center. Macklin Celebrini’s new contract with the Sharks set a record-breaking average annual value (AAV), while Leo Carlsson and Connor Bedard will still earn more than Celebrini next season. Still, there is a glaring void on the blue line for all three clubs, especially when it comes to depth.

Indeed, each team has—or at least hopes it has—its franchise life-changing defenseman: Anaheim has Jackson LaCombe, San Jose drafted Keaton Verhoeff, and Chicago traded for Bowen Byram while hoping Artyom Levshunov develops into an elite blueliner. Going further down the pairings, however, that’s where trouble lies for the Ducks, Sharks, and Blackhawks.

Schneider could still enter his prime

Schneider, who is still only 24 years old, could turn out to be a crucial depth addition, and a long-term one at that. For him, a change of scenery may be all he needs, and for the Rangers, trading him wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world—provided they receive a fitting offer.

The Blueshirts know, even if they can’t figure it out themselves, that Schneider is fixable. Thus, they can’t demand top dollar, but they won’t settle for peanuts in return, either. Finding that sweet spot in between is what it’s all about.

Perhaps it will be Anaheim, Chicago, or San Jose that comes through with the right offer. Or maybe a dark horse takes Schneider off the Blueshirts’ hands. The defenseman being re-signed in the Big Apple remains an option on the table, though it continues to inch closer to the edge with each passing day.

New Rangers in New York

New York revamped its defense during the offseason and, in fact, is in greater need of help in its top-six forward group. With Schneider, patience appears to be running low, and the fact the two sides agreed only to a one-year deal—largely to avoid arbitration—could indicate trouble.

Moreover, Mike Sullivan is trying to establish a new Rangers identity that hinges on Igor Shesterkin’s long-term commitment and a solid defensive corps. If Schneider finally breaks out and establishes himself, great. But if not, the Blueshirts have a backup plan. They made sure to lay the foundation during the offseason. Drafting Alberts Smits was further proof of that.

Unlike what happened with Schneider, New York will hope not to burn out its first-round defenseman this time around. At least, that’s easier said than done while the regular season still feels distant. Once the puck drops and the team needs answers, the original plan may be tossed out the window.

Heading into the 2026-27 NHL campaign, Bedard finally moved off his RFA status and signed a long extension with the Blackhawks. Under his current deal, Bedard will make an average salary of $15 million over the next five years. Bedard’s extension runs through 2031, when he will become an UFA at the age of 25.

During the 2026-27 NHL season, however, Bedard will earn a total salary of $17 million, according to PuckPedia. Celebrini, on the other hand, won’t come close to that figure. The Sharks will pay Celebrini a salary of $975,000 next season because he is still under his entry-level contract.

Celebrini is still on rookie contract

The record-breaking deal Celebrini signed—setting the highest average annual value (AAV) in NHL history—won’t kick in until the 2027-28 season. The wait will be well worth it, though.

In 2027-28, Celebrini is set to earn a $20.8 million salary from the Sharks. As things stand, that would be the highest annual salary in the NHL two seasons from now. During the 2027-28 campaign, the North Vancouver duo’s salaries will combine for a total of $36.8 million.

However, with pending unrestricted free agents such as Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes, and Jason Robertson, combined with the league’s rising salary cap, many around the NHL wonder whether another record-breaking contract could be signed in the near future.

Bedard’s deal puts him in great spot

Based on AAV, Bedard ranks fourth among all NHL contracts (third if only active contracts are considered, which would leave Celebrini out of the equation). In terms of total value, however, Bedard’s five-year, $75 million contract falls all the way to 35th in the league.

Still, the 21-year-old may not have wanted it any other way. In 2031, Bedard will get the chance to test free agency as a 25-year-old. With his prime years still ahead of him and coming off character-testing seasons with the Blackhawks, Bedard could be in line for a massive payday on the open market.

And even if he wants to stay in Chicago, the possibility of losing him in free agency would likely push the Blackhawks to go above and beyond with a top-of-the-market offer. All things considered, the timing couldn’t be much better for the North Vancouver native. It isn’t luck, though. This is exactly what Bedard’s camp was after and why it had no interest in signing a maximum-term deal.