Connor Bedard opens up on shoulder injury, hopes to return soon for Chicago Blackhawks

Bedard, the 20-year-old center and former No. 1 overall pick, was placed on injured reserve with what the team is calling an upper-body injury, later reported as a separated shoulder. Blackhawk Up Chicago had hoped for more positive news after he exited the 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues, but initial updates only confirmed he'd miss the next game and more information was coming.

In a recent 32 Thoughts podcast appearance with Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas, Bedard addressed his injury and tried to ease some of the concern that's been swirling around the rink and online. He didn't dive into medical specifics, but he made it clear he's focused on getting back on the ice.

Chicago's current plan is to let Bedard rest through the immediate stretch and reevaluate after the New Year, with no surgery currently expected for the separated shoulder.

The treatment for such an injury typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation early on, as long as there aren't more serious torn structures involved.

Before the injury, Bedard was pacing the Blackhawks with 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) in 31 games, and his absence was immediately felt in Chicago's offense.

The Hawks, sitting around the playoff bubble, now need better contributions from depth players while Bedard rehabs.

There's cautious optimism inside the locker room and among the fanbase that Bedard's update points to a shorter absence than feared, but the reality is the team won't know more until after the holiday break when he's reevaluated. Blackhawk Up