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Connor Bedard Right Shoulder Injury Rocks Blackhawks Push

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Sam Walker
December 13, 2025 (9:15)

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Connor Bedard's right shoulder injury puts a sudden question mark on the Blackhawks' rising playoff hopes, as the 20-year-old superstar is already out for Saturday's game against Detroit after a 'freak accident'.

The injury happened in the final seconds of Friday's 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues, and Chicago coach Jeff Blashill has been blunt about the uncertainty around Bedard's timeline.

On the last shift of the game, Bedard was battling for a faceoff when Blues center Brayden Schenn pushed him backward, and the former No. 1 overall pick went to the ice awkwardly, immediately holding his right shoulder in visible pain.

NEW: Connor Bedard out for the year: Devastating blow for the 20-year-old Blackhawks forward

Blashill didn't hide his concern, calling the play a «freak accident» that he can't yet define as short or long term:

«I'd hate to say that without knowing the information,» Blashill said, underscoring how little clarity the team has so far. «Until we get the information, again he's not going to play tomorrow and when I know, I'll let you know.»

Assistant goals from Andre Burakovsky and Wyatt Kaiser had cut a 2-0 deficit but weren't enough, and although Bedard notched two assists before the injury, his exit cast a shadow over the competitive effort.

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Blashill calls Bedard's injury a «freak accident.»

Fans watching saw Bedard skate off into the tunnel with his arm close to his body, and even broadcasters reacted with alarm. «This doesn't look good,» an ESPN+ announcer said, noting how Bedard's right arm tucked up high suggested more than a simple bruise.

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Chicago now faces the Red Wings without its leading scorer, who has been among the NHL's top producers this season with 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) in 31 games.

The Blackhawks sit in a tight playoff fight, and losing Bedard would be a major blow to a team still chasing its first postseason berth since 2020.

Blashill stressed patience, saying he expects more clarity on Bedard's status by Monday after further medical evaluation. «He won't play tomorrow,» Blashill repeated, adding he hopes to have updates later this weekend.

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

For now Chicago must absorb the setback, adjust its lines, and hope its young star's injury isn't severe enough to derail a hard-earned push up the standings.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

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Quinn Hughes traded to Minnesota Wild in blockbuster deal

Leaked Milan Olympic hockey arena footage sparks real NHL concern

POLL
DECEMBRE 13 \| 396 ANSWERS Connor Bedard Right Shoulder Injury Rocks Blackhawks Push Will Connor Bedard's shoulder injury significantly hurt the Blackhawks' playoff push?
Yes	312	78.8 %
No	15	3.8 %
Depends on severity	53	13.4 %
Too early	16	4 %
List of polls

Connor Bedard Right Shoulder Injury Rocks Blackhawks Push

Connor Bedard's right shoulder injury puts a sudden question mark on the Blackhawks' rising playoff hopes, as the 20-year-old superstar is already out for Saturday's game against Detroit after a 'freak accident'.

Blashill calls Bedard's injury a «freak accident.»

Will Connor Bedard's shoulder injury significantly hurt the Blackhawks' playoff push?