Chicago Blackhawks star center Connor Bedard will miss at least four months after undergoing shoulder surgery, the team announced Wednesday. The 20-year-old suffered the injury during a recent skating event with Kaivo Hockey in Vancouver and is expected to return in November, missing the first 15 games of the 2026 NHL season.
Core Facts & Immediate Impact
Bedard, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, had a career year in 2025-26, recording 30 goals and 75 points in 69 games. His absence leaves the Blackhawks with a significant hole at center, as their depth behind him is thin. Ryan Donato, Frank Nazar, and Oliver Moore are the next options, but none are top-line caliber players. The team may call up prospects Anton Frondell or Sacha Boisvert to fill the void.
Contract Negotiations & Team Outlook
Bedard is a restricted free agent and is expected to receive a substantial raise from his entry-level contract, with reports suggesting the Blackhawks are willing to offer $14 million per season. His injury complicates negotiations but does not appear to have derailed them. The Blackhawks, who play in the competitive Central Division, will need to maintain momentum early in the season to avoid falling behind playoff contenders like the Avalanche, Stars, and Wild.
Injury History & Recovery
This is not Bedard’s first major injury. He battled a right shoulder issue last season and suffered a broken jaw in his rookie campaign (2024-25). Despite these setbacks, he has maintained a near-point-per-game pace when healthy, a critical asset for a rebuilding Blackhawks team.
Prospect Depth & Short-Term Solutions
Frondell, the third overall pick in 2025, showed promise with 20 goals in 43 games in Sweden last season and could see NHL action sooner. Boisvert, the 18th overall pick in 2024, had a strong NCAA career but is still developing. Both could provide offensive support while Bedard recovers.