NHL5d ago
Bedard Set for Blackhawks Return Against Penguins
Chicago's captain comes back from shoulder surgery as the club seeks to improve after an uneven start.
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Anticipated Comeback
Chicago captain Connor Bedard will make his season debut Tuesday against the Penguins. The 21-year-old center said he is happy to return after surgery on his left shoulder. Missing training camp and preseason has made the absence feel longer than six games, and he is eager to rejoin teammates and play freely. Coach Jeff Blashill confirmed Bedard is in the lineup for the matchup that also features Sidney Crosby.
Early Season Challenges
Without Bedard the Blackhawks have dropped five of their first six games and have been outscored 26-12. Blashill noted the addition of a strong player but stressed the group cannot rely on one person to solve every issue. Bedard worked through rehabilitation to return possibly ahead of the original timetable, and the medical staff cleared him once it was safe. He has no restrictions this season.
Contract and Prior Experience
Bedard agreed to a 75 million dollar five-year contract and became the second-youngest captain in franchise history. Selected first overall in the 2023 draft, he captured the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. He missed 12 games last season with a right shoulder issue that limited him on faceoffs. This time he has participated in two practices to regain comfort with physical play before facing the Penguins again.
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