Crushing news for the Blackhawks following Connor Bedard's MRI results

Bedard suffered the injury during Friday's 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues, exiting the game with visible pain after a last-second faceoff collision and clutching his right shoulder.

Head coach Jeff Blashill called the play a «freak accident,» and while the Blackhawks confirmed he'd miss the Saturday game versus Detroit, they kept the broader timeline close to the vest.

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Further clarity was always expected this weekend, and veteran analyst Elliotte Friedman weighed in with an early update that has fans bracing for a stretch without their top scorer.

According to Friedman's reporting, Bedard underwent an MRI on Saturday and won't be joining Chicago on the road trip that includes stops in Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. That decision came after the team and medical staff reviewed his imaging and are determining the next steps for treatment and recovery.

With Bedard sidelined, the Blackhawks called up forward Nick Lardis from the AHL's Rockford IceHogs for an offensive spark and top-nine minutes at even strength.

How Chicago adapts without its cornerstone will be on full display during this critical swing of games.

Bedard, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft and the Blackhawks' leading scorer with 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) in 31 games, has been a driving force in what has been one of Chicago's more competitive seasons in years.

The Blackhawks now face the daunting task of staying competitive without their most dynamic player while they await a more detailed timeline from team medical staff on Bedard's return. The early absence of such a key piece could shape Chicago's December and beyond.