It’s clear the Blackhawks need Bedard back in the lineup as soon as possible. The terrible 0-3-0 start to the NHL regular season paints a clear picture, and Kane wasn’t above admitting they could really use Bedard back. Of course, he understands Chicago’s careful approach, but he did put pressure on the Blackhawks regardless.

“Obviously we know how big [Bedard] is to our team and how much he means to our team. He looks good to me. We’d love to have him back as soon as possible,” Kane said, via Charlie Roumeliotis on X. “You want him to take care of himself though and make sure he’s good for the rest of his career, but, yeah, we definitely miss him.”

Bedard may not play on Kane’s line

Making his first appearance in a team practice since undergoing left-shoulder surgery over the summer, Bedard’s participation in team drills may hint at who he may play alongside once he’s cleared to return to NHL action.

On that note, it may be discouraging for fans to learn that Bedard wasn’t on Kane’s line during rushes. Sporting a non-contact jersey, Bedard instead alternated with Teuvo Teravainen to fill in on the second line alongside Anton Frondell and Tyler Bertuzzi.

Bedard has history with Bertuzzi, Frondell

In more ways than one, it makes sense. Before the Hawks really made an effort to help out Bedard with a better supporting cast, he and Bertuzzi kept what little hopes there were in Chicago alive. Bedard and Bertuzzi have a lot of chemistry together, and it makes sense why the young captain could be used next to the veteran alternate (not named Kane).

As for Frondell, the rookie center did play a couple of games with Bedard last season, and it appears Jeff Blashill wants to see what more he can get out of that partnership, which may very well be the blueprint for the future in Windy City.

Bedard will have to wait a bit more

Still, many would’ve liked to see Bedard next to Kane. The time will come when the Hawks will use that combination, but for now, they would rather balance their lineup. Or at least test out their options.

Bedard still hasn’t been cleared for contact. Until that river is crossed, his return to the lineup will remain on hold, and all the talk about where he should play and who should be around him won’t mean much. It’s all conjecture.

Key takeaways

• Patrick Kane praised Connor Bedard’s recovery, saying he looks good and is missed.
• Chicago Blackhawks are off to a 0–3–0 start to the regular season.
• Bedard alternated on the second line during practice rather than skating with Kane.

Thus, Bedard may have no other choice but to take things into his own hands and put in the work. He was already doing that, but he’s now taken a big step in the right direction.

Right before the team’s first home game of the NHL campaign against the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 6 at the United Center, Bedard was on the ice for team practice, marking his first time group session since undergoing offseason surgery on his left shoulder.

“Looks like Connor Bedard is joining the Blackhawks for practice. That’s a new step forward,” Scott Powers of The Athletic Chicago reported on his X account.

Bedard’s participation in first practice back

For as much talk as has surrounded the Blackhawks in the offseason and the revamped expectations set on the club ahead of the new season, they haven’t shown much in their first three outings. Off to a terrible 0-3-0 start, perhaps having Bedard back on the ice—even if only in a black non-contact jersey while staying off the ice when the team went through contact drills—may help raise the flagging spirits in the Windy City.

In his first practice with the team, Bedard participated in line rushes alongside Anton Frondell and Tyler Bertuzzi, who, along with Teuvo Teravainen, play on the second line. According to Charlie Roumeliotis of WGN Radio 720, he rotated in and out with “Turbo.” Sneak peek much?

Bedard’s timeline remains unchanged despite progress

As to when exactly Bedard may be cleared for contact, that remains uncertain. The same applies for his recovery timeline, which for the time being remains the same as the original four-month plan, putting Bedard in for a return in late October-November.

“Blashill says he doesn’t know yet when Bedard will have an exam that will clear him for contact,” according to Ben Pope of Chicago Sun-Times. Still, the Hawks won’t belittle what was an equally encouraging and massive box checked as Bedard skated with the rest of the team and went through non-contact drills.

Key takeaways

• Connor Bedard participated in Blackhawks group practice for the first time since shoulder surgery.
• Chicago is off to a 0–3–0 start to the NHL regular season.
• His return timeline remains set for late October or November.

Connor Bedard is missing today’s game against the Utah Mammoth because he is recovering from offseason surgery on his left shoulder. Bedard injured his left shoulder during a practice session in Vancouver on July 2.

The Blackhawks already made their season debut and loss that game 2-5 against the Golden Knights. Hence, they are missing Bedard already. Now, they face the Mammoth, that haven’t played a game so far this season.

When is Bedard coming back?

Connor Bedard does not have a firm return date, but he is expected to miss at least the first month of the season and return around November. He has traveled for the Blackhawks’ road trip and is skating and shooting on his own, making a November return the current baseline expectation barring any setbacks.

Given that Bedard signed a massive 5-year, $75 million contract extension, he is locked in as the face of the franchise for the foreseeable future. However, if he is not able to play, he is leaving the team without its best player.

Bedard is quite the difference-maker

He led the young core with 75 points (30 goals, 45 assists) in 69 games last season, proving he drives the team’s offensive output. Bedard simply excels at too many things. He has a generational wrist shot, elite hockey IQ, and exceptional ability to create offensive space.

Roman Kantserov and Frank Nazar are stepping up to fill the offensive and center voids. While they are not bad players, it’s clear that there is a downgrade in production without Bedard.

Key takeaways

• Connor Bedard will miss the game against Utah recovering from left shoulder surgery.
• Bedard signed a 5-year, $75 million extension to remain the franchise’s centerpiece.
• After losing 2-5 to Vegas, Chicago faces a Mammoth squad making its season debut.

Having recently been named team captain and entering a crucial season in which Chicago finally has real aspirations, it’s easy to see why he won’t want to miss a single moment. Bedard is joining the Blackhawks, though Blashill set the record straight, for the first road trip of the season, but he won’t practice or play, and that simply won’t cut it for the young leader who’s anxious to get back on the ice.

Asked whether his original timeline is still standing and if he will indeed miss the first month of the new NHL season, Bedard didn’t sugarcoat his thoughts. The captain’s statement is one Blashill will definitely get wind of, though the bench-boss remains committed to listening to the medical staff’s careful approach.

“I don’t know [if I will be out a month]. I’m doing what I can, [my left shoulder] feels really good,” Bedard admitted during an interview with What Chaos! “I’m out there, doing basically everything on the ice. So, who knows? It’s obviously not really up to me in the end. I would play right now if I could. A lot smarter people make that decision, but we’ll see, just do what I can on a day-to-day.”

Blackhawks clear the air around Bedard’s timeline

When Bedard suffered the offseason injury to his left shoulder and underwent surgery to repair it, the Hawks announced a four-month timeline for Bedard to be fully healthy again. That meant Bedard, who was injured in July, would be able to return to the ice in November. However, general manager Kyle Davidson has put that timeline into question, too.

“Davidson says he doesn’t have any update to Connor Bedard’s return timeline yet,” as reported by Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times. “All along, we were going to find out new information, if anything, probably in October,” Davidson admitted, per Ben Pope. “Until we have that…”

For the time being, Bedard will have to wait a little longer, even if he is growing sick and tired of being kept in bubble wrap by Blashill, Davidson, and the Blackhawks when he feels he’s ready to go.

Bedard’s injuries in Chicago

Entering the first season under his new, five-year, $75 million contract extension ($15 million AAV), Bedard wants to be out there on the ice as much as he can for the Blackhawks. Unfortunately, Bedard has been forced to miss time with injuries several times throughout his still-young NHL career.

First, Bedard broke his jaw during his rookie year, being sidelined for roughly six weeks, and missing 14 games. The injury also cost him an appearance at the 2024 NHL All-Star Game, which the former first overall pick had earned an invite to.

During his sophomore year in 2024-25, Bedard was able to stay healthy all the way through, completing his first—and only—82-game campaign. With the regular season extending to 84 games, Bedard likely won’t ever finish with such a mark and be able to call it a perfect year.

Lastly, Bedard suffered what he called a “freak injury” to his right shoulder and ended up missing 13 games that season. For a second-straight season, Bedard will miss some games. Exactly how many? That remains a mystery.

Key takeaways

• Connor Bedard expressed subtle frustration over being sidelined for at least one month.
• General manager Kyle Davidson stated the return timeline remains uncertain until October updates.
• A five-year, $75 million extension marks the start of the captain’s new contract.

Bedard is out to start the 2026-27 NHL campaign as he is still rehabbing from offseason surgery on his left shoulder. The Blackhawks‘ star was injured while practicing back in his hometown of North Vancouver, British Columbia, and had to undergo a medical procedure.

According to Chicago’s original timeline, Bedard was set to be out for a four-month period, meaning he’d miss the first month of the regular season. However, Bedard has only sent out positive signs and made progress since. Bedard has joined the Blackhawks, though Jeff Blashill set the record straight with a clear injury update. He is with the squad in Las Vegas ahead of the Golden Knights matchup, but he won’t play or even get anywhere near the ice.

For the time being, Bedard will be spending quality time with his teammates on the road and building chemistry with them—but strictly off the ice. The Blackhawks have yet to clear Bedard to return to team practices, and they appear in no hurry to do so, even if the young star is proving to be inching closer to 100 percent. And even if he’s openly admitting he’d like to be on the ice as soon as possible, that’s exactly what Bedard did when he let the Blackhawks know how he feels about being sidelined.

Blackhawks won’t rush Bedard back to the lineup

Chicago has taken risks with Bedard before, rushing him back, and they won’t do it again. The offseason injury taught the Hawks a lesson they won’t want to learn again. With no updates made to Bedard’s injury timeline, Blackhawks fans should expect Bedard to still miss the first month of the regular season, likely returning to the lineup in late October or November.

In the meantime, they will keep coming across videos and posts of Bedard’s progress in his surgery rehab, but that doesn’t mean he’ll make his season debut soon. Not unless Blashill and the Blackhawks say otherwise. So far, they haven’t steered away from the original plan.

Who will replace Bedard?

With Bedard out of the lineup to start a crucial 2026-27 NHL season, Blashill is trusting rookie center Roman Kantserov to anchor the Hawks’ top forward line. When Chicago takes on last season’s Stanley Cup runner-ups at T-Mobile Arena, Kantserov will play alongside Oliver Moore and Patrick Kane.

Key takeaways

• Connor Bedard was named captain of Chicago despite his left shoulder surgery recovery.
• A four-month recovery timeline is expected to keep him out through October.
• Rookie center Roman Kantserov will anchor Chicago’s top forward line in his absence.

That was true when Blashill and the Blackhawks shut down early return rumors surrounding Bedard. It remains that way as the team announced Bedard will be joining the rest of the Hawks on the road for the opening three-game road trip of the NHL campaign. Blashill cleared the air and left no doubts: Bedard won’t play, nor will he even practice with the rest of the squad. He has work to do before Chicago can clear him for such activities.

“Chicago head coach Jeff Blashill said Connor Bedard will join the team for the start of the three-game road trip but he’s not expected to be cleared for practice during it, so he still has some hurdles to clear,” as reported by Charlie Roumeliotis of WGN Radio 720.

When will Bedard return?

As much progress as the 38th captain in franchise history has made throughout the offseason and preseason, his initial recovery timeline remains unchanged. At least, Blashill and the Blackhawks haven’t publicly admitted to any modifications to it. Thus, the Hawks must operate under the assumption that Bedard will miss the first month of the 2026-27 NHL campaign.

Bedard underwent surgery to repair his left shoulder in July after he sustained an injury while practicing in his hometown. Since then, the Blackhawks have maintained a four-month timeline for Bedard, who could return to the lineup in November. Obviously, Bedard will make an effort to be back before then, but Blashill and the Blackhawks will roll no dice.

The 21-year-old star, captain and franchise player will have to prove himself and leave no doubts unanswered before the Hawks activate him. As things stand, though, Bedard is considered week-to-week with a shoulder injury, so anything might happen, and Bedard may actually be back before long.

Blashill makes last-minute lineup change

With Bedard out of the lineup to start the season, much speculation surrounded who would be the center on Chicago’s top line, earning the privilege of playing alongside Patrick Kane. Up until this point, it looked like Frank Nazar would run away with the 1C job. However, Blashill made a couple of shocking, last-minute tweaks to the lineup.

Instead, rookie Roman Kantserov, coming off a 64-point season in the KHL but yet to make his NHL debut, will be the team’s first-line center. Nazar, on the other hand, has been taken out of the top six and dropped all the way to the third line. In the eyes of Coach Blashill, though, it’s not a punishment for Nazar, but a way of having him carry his own line while getting a good look at Kantserov at the faceoff dot in the NHL.

Blashill explains changes to Blackhawks’ lineup

“I just felt ultimately we hadn’t gotten enough out of the three lines with the combinations we had used,” Blashill said. “One, got to see [Kantserov] at center, I feel confident he can play center in the NHL. Two, I think [Nazar] can carry his own line a little bit. If that’s the case, you could be looking at [three top] lines that could go out and win their matchup.”

In an effort to balance out the lineup amid Bedard’s absence, Blashill has sent out a clear statement with his final lineups for NHL opening night in Las Vegas. Whether it was the right move or not, the final score will tell, but Blashill has set a precedent: his pulse won’t tremble. He will have to keep it up regardless of which name comes out on the short end, though. If not, that’s a call for trouble.

Key takeaways

• Connor Bedard will join the Blackhawks’ road trip but is not cleared for practice.
• The 21-year-old captain is expected to miss the first month of the season.
• Roman Kantserov will start as the team’s first-line center instead of Frank Nazar.

“Connor Bedard isn’t close yet to joining the Blackhawks for practice, Blashill said,” as reported by Scott Powers of The Athletic Chicago.

The timing behind Blashill’s announcement on where Bedard stands in his recovery is no coincidence, either. It arrives on the heels of a recent sighting that hinted Bedard could force the Blackhawks into a rushed lineup decision, as the 38th captain in Blackhawks history was seen taking slap shots during an on-ice session.

The last time an injured Bedard was seen participating in such drills, he returned to Chicago’s NHL lineup just days afterward. It’s not an apples-to-apples comparison, though. Still, it’s clear Bedard is making progress and checking boxes in his return to the ice after offseason surgery to repair his left shoulder.

Bedard keeps original timeline despite recent positive news

For the time being, the Blackhawks haven’t updated Bedard’s timeline, meaning the original one announced back in July still stands, at least as far as the media can tell. Regardless of how smooth he may look on the ice in the videos on social media, the Blackhawks are taking things slow with Bedard, and he is still trending to miss at least the opening month of the 2026-27 NHL season.

Fans would love for him to somehow be fit to play in the home opener (Oct. 6 against the St. Louis Blues) and share the ice with Patrick Kane on such a special night for sports as a whole in the Windy City. That is most likely off the table.

Blackhawks chase the playoffs

Regardless, whenever Bedard makes his return to the United Center, the energy will go through the roof. Hopefully for the Hawks, by the time he’s back, Bedard can join a winning team with real aspirations to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

It’s been six years (since the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs) since Chicago has played playoff hockey. For a franchise that once hoisted the Stanley Cup three times over that span, it’s unfathomable.

Key takeaways

• Jeff Blashill confirmed Connor Bedard is not close to joining practice.
• Bedard underwent offseason left shoulder surgery in July.
• The captain will miss at least the opening month of the 2026-27 season.

It goes without saying that the Blackhawks will be extra cautious with Bedard and won’t rush him back into the lineup. No matter how great Bedard looks on the ice by himself, head coach Jeff Blashill and company will remain wary. That doesn’t mean Bedard won’t try to get his way, though.

According to a report, the latest step in Bedard’s recovery may signal that he’s closer to being fully healthy, and that only means Chicago would have to make a decision.

“Connor Bedard was taking slap shots on Jan. 6 last season as part of his rehab and recovery from his shoulder injury. He was in the Blackhawks lineup Jan. 9. Here he is Sept. 23 taking slap shots after having shoulder surgery in early July,” CHGO reporter Mario Tirabassi reported on X.

Connect the dots, and the Blackhawks may have an answer on where Bedard stands in his shoulder-surgery rehab. Still, fans should know better than to expect Bedard back in the next few days.

Different context for Bedard and Blackhawks

When Bedard returned from what he called a “freak injury” to his right shoulder during the 2025-26 NHL season, the setback didn’t require surgery. This time around, the injury to his left shoulder did, and Bedard is still recovering from the surgery he underwent in July. Moreover, the Blackhawks are in no mid-season rush to get Bedard back.

Thus, even if the slap shots may be reminiscent of how close to a return Bedard was last season, they may not translate to the present. Regardless, it’s yet another encouraging sign in Bedard’s recovery journey. For the Blackhawks, it may feel bittersweet, however.

Blackhawks remain wary of Bedard’s progress

Though it’s often the other way around, it seems many around the Hawks are concerned with the speed of Bedard’s recovery, almost as if they wished his progress were slower. Obviously, Chicago wants Bedard back in the lineup. If he somehow is able to dress for the home opener against the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 6, it would be ideal, but the sooner he’s back on the ice, the sooner he’s at risk of re-injury.

It’s a double-edged sword. Just like an overprotective mother, the Blackhawks may not want Bedard to leave the cradle, with the safety net provided by him working on his own at the team’s practice facilities.

Of course, it comes at a cost, and there are no doubts the Blackhawks are a worse team when Bedard isn’t in the lineup. They added pieces to the puzzle, Bowen Byram had an ideal debut (even if it was in a preseason game), and Patrick Kane’s return will draw all the attention, but the Hawks may still be Bedard-reliant. Only time will tell for certain, however.

Key takeaways

• First month missed: The captain is slated to sit out early in the 2026-27 NHL season following July shoulder surgery.
• Sept. 23 slap shots: Bedard was spotted taking slap shots, echoing his late-stage rehab timeline from last year.
• Oct. 6 home opener: The team faces a potential early return dilemma before hosting the St. Louis Blues.

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