Chicago Hawks place rookie Bedard on injured reserve list

Chicago Blackhawks’ most hyped rookie, Connor Bedard, fractured his jaw yesterday and has been placed on the IR by his organization.

Blackhawks center Connor Bedard has been placed on injured reserve with a fractured jaw.

The 2023 1st overall pick has 15 goals and 18 assists in 39 games. pic.twitter.com/V0sg637Nqw

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 6, 2024

Connor left in the 1^st period of a 4-2 defeat against the New Jersey Devils after being struck by Brendan Smith. Berard was evaluated this morning by medical specialists after the franchise returned to Chicago.

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The rookie (18) leads all league’s rookies in goals (15) and assists (18) in 39 matches this campaign. The top selection in the 2023 NHL draft also leads rookie attackers on the ice in minutes.

After being picked this week, Connor could be the youngest player ever in the NHL All-Star Game, beating Buffalo Sabres winger Jeff Skinner’s record, 58 days older when he appeared in the All-Star Game in 2011. The match will be on February 3^rd.

“I don’t think it was intent to hit, I think he was just playing hard on the blue line and trying to keep the puck out on the Penalty Kill.”

Luke Richardson comments on Connor Bedard getting hit by Brendan Smith#Blackhawks | #NJDevilspic.twitter.com/LMwJRfuEQE

— Missin Curfew (@MissinCurfew) January 6, 2024