Blackhawks' Connor Bedard's gruesome injury details revealed and it appears longer than expected

The 20-year-old star has been held out until after New Year's, and coach Jeff Blashill said the play with Brayden Schenn that led to this change in plans was a 'freak accident' that left Bedard in pain.

Bedard, who already has 19 goals and 25 assists this season, suffered the injury when Schenn's shove sent him awkwardly into the ice.

Reports late Tuesday night from multiple sources confirmed the diagnosis as a separated shoulder, a type of injury that typically needs several weeks of healing, especially for a high-impact athlete like Bedard.

That diagnosis now sets a tentative return timeline sometime after New Years, with a re-evaluation planned once some swelling and pain have eased.

Chicago's offense has felt Bedard's absence immediately, dropping off in shot attempts and zone time without their No. 1 center driving play, in a 4-0 loss to the Detroit Red Wings.

That depth is now tested week in and week out, and fans are already debating if Chicago can maintain steady play without their budding superstar. Bedard's injury isn't season-ending, but the timing is brutal. He will be re-evaluated after the New Year, giving the medical staff a clearer sense of progression in physical therapy and strength training.

Chicago's focus now shifts to secondary scorers stepping up while Bedard recovers. Blashill emphasized team accountability, but everyone knows this roster misses its top offensive weapon.

The Hawks have games against the Senators and Canadiens upcoming, and how Chicago responds will be a storyline through the holiday break. The team's next milestone goal is staying competitive until Bedard's anticipated return.