Blackhawks deliver Connor Bedard injury update that contradicts what the former 1st overall pick thinks

Connor Bedard will miss several more weeks with an upper-body injury and won't be re-evaluated until after the New Year, coach Jeff Blashill said Monday.

Blashill was clear about the path forward, saying:

That's the tone from a team trying to reset after losing its leading scorer.

Bedard has a clear message, though; he would prefer if Blashill considered him day-to-day, signaling it may be a much earlier return than expected.

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With seven December games left on the schedule, Bedard's absence hits hard, especially as the Hawks try to climb the standings without their offensive catalyst.

Foligno's status is a different story, one that offers a bit of hope.

Blashill said Foligno will travel on this week's road trip after missing time with a hand injury. There's no guarantee he plays Tuesday against the Maple Leafs, but he could be in the lineup Thursday or Saturday against the Canadiens or Senators. Chicago Sun-Times

The coach stressed the need for the rest of the roster to tighten up defensively and generate goals in different ways.

Despite the setbacks, the Hawks are adapting in practice and lineup structure.

Ethan Del Mastro was called up from Rockford to add depth on the blue line, and veteran goalie Laurent Brossoit was recalled from a conditioning stint. Blashill noted Brossoit will go on waivers and may return to Rockford if unclaimed.

In practice, the team stuck with the same lines used in their most recent game without Bedard, giving young players like Frank Nazar and Nick Lardis more responsibility.