Chicago Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson provided an injury update on rookie sensation Connor Bedard, saying Monday the forward will likely be out another six weeks at least.
Bedard suffered a fractured jaw on Jan. 5 when he took a hit from the New Jersey Devils' Brendan Smith. He underwent surgery shortly after.
Richardson says the 2023 No. 1 pick wishes he could be contributing to the team, but the recovery continues.
"He's devastated not to be here and playing, let alone just being here," Richardson told the media. "But, you know what? He's just on the recovery. It's going to be probably at least six weeks."
Bedard skated with a non-contact jersey at a team practice on Jan. 15 after, according to Richardson, he had been "begging" to get back on the ice in any capacity.
Richardson notes that Bedard will do everything he can to return as soon as possible, before outlining the process for his route to getting back on the ice.
"He's going to do whatever he can to get back earlier, but it's that's a doctor's decision," Richardson said. "And when they do scans and X-rays to make sure that the bone is healed, then that'll be the time to ramp up the on-ice stuff to get him ready. And he's an eager guy. He's going to do everything he can."
Even after missing two-and-a-half weeks, Bedard still leads all rookies with 15 goals and 33 points.
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