Connor Bedard injured in 'freak accident', won't play tonight against Detroit
Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard was hurt in the final moments of last night's game against the divisional foe St. Louis Blues and won't play tonight.
The Chicago Blackhawks held their breaths last night at the end of their 3-2 loss to the divisional foe St. Louis Blues, not because of the score but because of an injury to forward Connor Bedard.
Bedard was somehow hurt in the final moments of the game at Enterprise Center and immediately left the ice while clutching his right shoulder. At that point, the game was already over, but concern immediately built for the face of the Blackhawks' franchise.
Per Blackhawks analyst Ben Pope, Bedard has already been ruled out for tonight's game against the former divisional foe Detroit Red Wings at United Center, and that Bedard will be re-evaluated by the team on Monday.
Connor Bedard won't play tomorrow vs. Detroit, Jeff Blashill said.
Another update is expected Monday, Blashill said. He called it a «freak accident.»
Another update is expected Monday, Blashill said. He called it a «freak accident.»
At the same time, Blashill got on his players for not doing enough during the loss.
They came out super ready, and we came out to just play hockey. Too many guys weren't as competitive as you need to be. It was physical early, and we needed to come out with way more mental focus. Not every guy, but too many guys. -Jeff Blashill
So far this year, Bedard has 44 points (19G, 25A).
Connor Bedard Still Needs A Contract For Next Year
Bedard, who was taken with the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, still is without a contract beyond this current season.
In the time that he's spent with the Blackhawks, Bedard has become the face of the franchise, and they hope he's able to eventually lead them to championship glory in the same way that former Blackhawks high picks like Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane did.
Projections of Bedard's next deal include him making an AAV (average annual value) as high as between $12-15 million.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 13|274 ANSWERS Connor Bedard injured in 'freak accident', won't play tonight against Detroit Will Connor Bedard be out long-term? | ||
| Yes | 128 | 46.7 % |
| No | 146 | 53.3 % |
| List of polls | ||