The New Jersey Devils recently defeated the Chicago Blackhawks and the concluding score of the game was 4-2. However, the game also saw rising star Connor Bedard get injured. After sustaining the injury, he was later placed on injured reserve.
Breaking: The Blackhawks placed rookie Connor Bedard on injured reserve with a fractured jaw, the team announced. pic.twitter.com/22k6zZspK9
— ESPN (@espn) January 6, 2024
#Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson speaks ahead of today’s matchup v Calgary. He gives the latest on Connor Bedard and Nick Foligno’s injuries and updates the availability of new Hawks Zach Sanford and Rem Pitlick. pic.twitter.com/w7lpBw7X3W
— CHGO Blackhawks (@CHGO_Blackhawks) January 7, 2024
Head coach Luke Richardson has also shared that the timeframe of his return is not yet known. He further shared after the shocking news via NHL.com, “It’s just so fresh today this morning to get our people to look at him and make decisions going forward. So we just have to do what we’ve been doing, scrambling our lineup together and mixing up the chemistry. As soon as we seem to find a little something, someone goes down.”
UPDATE: We have placed Connor Bedard (fractured jaw) and Nick Foligno (fractured left finger) on injured reserve. pic.twitter.com/BZ27gEkcEW
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) January 6, 2024
Bedard sustained a grave injury when he took a hit from defenseman Brendan Smith. Bedard went into the offensive zone and was stopped by Smith during the move. His face collided with his shoulder and he left the ice rink with his hand covering his mouth.
Here is the hit from Brendan Smith on Connor Bedard that fractured his jaw.
Clean shoulder check, just an unfortunate injury. Hopefully Bedard won’t miss too much time beyond the mandatory 7 days of IR time. pic.twitter.com/ov8VWJoqOS
— Garrett (@GarrettKashner) January 6, 2024
Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato revealed, “It’s horrible. He’s a kid that loves being around the rink, being around the game. Take that away from him, I’m sure is a big blow to him and to us. It’s definitely hard to wrap our heads around. It’s so fresh still for us to realize what’s going on, but we hope the best for him and hopefully we can keep the guys positive.”
The prominent centre of the Chicago Blackhawks was the first overall pick of the 2023 NHL Draft. He is also the leading player in his team and league, having posted 33 points, which are 15 goals and 18 assists in 39 games. A few days ago, he was also named to the 2024 NHL All-Star Game.
Richardson further revealed, “I think, once (the injury) settles a little bit he’ll be able to skate shortly. He just won’t be able to be in practice, but he’ll be able to be on the ice.”
“That’ll be good for him because it’ll get a lot of that restless energy that he’s going to have (out) … He likes to be with the team, likes to be on the ice. It’s a blow and he’s young. He’s going to need his teammates and his family more than ever to support him and comfort him.”
BREAKING: #Blackhawks place Connor Bedard (fractured jaw) and Nick Foligno (fractured left finger) on injured reserve.
That's nine players on IR for Chicago now.
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) January 6, 2024
Other Blackhawks players who have sustained injuries during the series matchups against the Devils are Taylor Raddysh, who has sustained a groin injury; Tyler Johnson, who has a foot injury; and Anthony Beauvillier, who has a wrist injury.
Jason Dickinson also revealed regarding Beadard injury and said, “I mean, Connor was just really upset last night. That’s pretty much all I talked to him about was just staying positive and being OK with where he’s at.”
