Chicago Blackhawks' Connor Bedard has undergone successful surgery for a fractured jaw following a hit from New Jersey Devils' Brendan Smith. Bedard, demonstrating a quick recovery, was spotted in full gear and a non-contact jersey, wearing a face shield, and skating with teammates Nick Foligno and Samuel Savoie just one week after his surgery. Blackhawks defenseman Kevin Korchinski remarked on Bedard's eagerness to return, noting it's probably the longest break he's had from hockey in a while. Despite his swift comeback to the ice, the Blackhawks have announced that Bedard could miss up to two months, potentially sidelining him for at least 16 games. This timeline is notable as no NHL rookie has missed that many games and still won the Calder Trophy in over 40 years. Bedard's timeline for return is still set at 6-8 weeks, but his early return to skating has prompted discussions about his resilience and prospects for the rookie award.
Connor Bedard returned to the ice on Monday, just seven days after jaw surgery. Despite his quick return, Bedard's six-to-eight-week timeline is likely unaffected. https://t.co/zTbwwVJu84
Connor Bedard gets back on the ice — with a cage protecting his broken jaw — 7 days after the Chicago Blackhawks star had surgery https://t.co/7sjtwCGnp5
Blackhawks star rookie Connor Bedard returned to the ice 10 days after fracturing his jaw, but his timeline for return is still set at 6-8 weeks. https://t.co/HFw1KO5MNu
#Blackhawks' Connor Bedard makes surprise appearance on the ice a week after jaw surgery 👀 https://t.co/bHHZT8t2VC
"I didn't even know he was going to skate today. He's itching to get back. It's probably the longest break he's had off hockey for a while. #Blackhawks rookie phenom Connor Bedard back on the ice a week after jaw surgery: https://t.co/oOyRIpjYY3
Kevin Korchinski on Connor Bedard skating a week after jaw surgery: "I didn't even know he was going to skate today. He's itching to get back. It's probably the longest break he's had off hockey for a while." #Blackhawks https://t.co/FajMfJahFe
Connor Bedard is a freak. He had surgery on his fractured jaw exactly one week ago. #Blackhawks https://t.co/jaehscJBoM
Connor Bedard cannot be kept off the ice for long. Just seven days after surgery, he’s skating with Nick Foligno and Samuel Savoie after Blackhawks practice, just wearing a full cage: https://t.co/BFFilNJUGs
Connor Bedard is getting ready to hit the ice in a non-contact jersey one week after undergoing surgery to repair his jaw. He’s wearing a face shield. #Blackhawks https://t.co/yPZ0Y8P8Kk
Connor Bedard is in full gear right now inside the locker room. It looks like he’s going to skate on his own in a non-contact jersey. Wow. #Blackhawks
Connor Bedard could miss up to two months after jaw surgery, the Chicago Blackhawks announced Wednesday. https://t.co/Jax7lig2h0
Connor Bedard is set to miss at least 16 games with his jaw injury. No NHL rookie has missed that many games and still won the Calder Trophy in 40+ years. But I think Bedard still has a very good chance. Here's why: https://t.co/wNHjgo7qJp
According to a report, #Blackhawks Connor Bedard has successful jaw surgery following #NJDevils Brendan Smith hit. More⤵️ https://t.co/7QEO9hSVqP