Connor Bedard Sidelined to Start 2026-27 Season After Surgery

WHO:

NHL.com - Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson stated there was no update on contract talks regarding Connor Bedard.

Sportskeeda - Blackhawks insider Ryan McGregor revealed that Bedard left practice after falling awkwardly on his shoulder.

NHL.com - Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks, Kyle Davidson

Sportskeeda - Ryan McGregor

WHAT:

NHL.com - Frank Nazar, a 22-year-old player, could fill in as the top-line center in Bedard's absence.

NHL.com - Nazar signed a seven-year, $46.13 million contract, averaging $6.59 million annually.

NHL.com - Roman Kantserov, expected to be Bedard’s right wing, had 64 points (36 goals, 28 assists) in 63 games last season with Metallurg of the Kontinental Hockey League.

NHL.com - Bowen Byram, acquired from the Buffalo Sabres, signed a six-year, $75 million contract, averaging $12.5 million annually.

NHL.com - Byram had 42 points (11 goals, 31 assists) in 82 regular-season games for Buffalo and seven points (four goals, three assists) in 13 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Fox News Sports - Video showed Connor Bedard falling during a drill in Vancouver before the Chicago Blackhawks announced his shoulder surgery with a four-month recovery.

NHL.com - Connor Bedard will miss the start of the 2026-27 season after having surgery on his left shoulder.

NHL.com - Bedard is expected to need four months to recover from the surgery.

NHL.com - Bedard led Chicago with 75 points (30 goals, 45 assists) in 69 games last season.

NHL.com - Bedard has 203 points (75 goals, 128 assists) in 219 games with the Blackhawks.

NHL.com - Bedard won the Calder Trophy in 2023-24.

WHERE:

NHL.com - Bedard was injured while practicing in Vancouver.

WHEN:

NHL.com - Bedard is expected to be eligible to return to play in November.

NHL.com - Bedard was injured on July 2, and the Blackhawks announced the surgery on Wednesday.

NHL.com - Bedard was injured on July 2.

NHL.com - Bedard will turn 21 on July 17.

NHL.com - Bedard has been eligible to sign another contract with Chicago since July 1, 2025.

NHL.com - Bedard missed 12 games last season after an injury on December 12.

NHL.com - Bedard missed 14 games during his rookie season from January 7 to February 13, 2024.

WHY:

Sportskeeda - The injury is described as a "massive setback" for Bedard during offseason training.

NHL.com - Bedard's injury occurred during offseason training.

NHL.com - Bedard's injury occurred after falling awkwardly on his shoulder during practice.

HOW:

NHL.com - Bedard sustained an upper-body injury while taking a face-off, resulting in him falling backward to the ice after being hit by then-Blues center Brayden Schenn.

In a significant move, Frank Nazar, a 22-year-old player, has signed a seven-year contract worth $46.13 million, averaging $6.59 million annually, and is poised to step in as the top-line center during Bedard's absence. Additionally, Roman Kantserov, who is expected to play as Bedard’s right wing, had an impressive season last year with 64 points from 36 goals and 28 assists in 63 games with Metallurg of the Kontinental Hockey League. Meanwhile, Bowen Byram, recently acquired from the Buffalo Sabres, has signed a six-year deal for $75 million, averaging $12.5 million annually, after recording 42 points in the regular season and seven points in the playoffs.