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Blackhawks Center Connor Bedard Undergoes Shoulder Surgery, Expected to Miss Start of 2026-27 Season
Connor Bedard underwent left shoulder surgery on Wednesday. The Chicago Blackhawks said he is expected to recover fully in about four months and miss at least the first month of the 2026-27 NHL season.
Jul 14, 12:26 PM·1m read1 source
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Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard underwent surgery on his left shoulder on Wednesday, ESPN reported. The team stated that Bedard is expected to make a full recovery in approximately four months and miss at least the first month of the 2026-27 season.
The 2026-27 campaign marks the first 84-game season under the NHL's new collective bargaining agreement, with play scheduled to begin in late September.
Bedard turns 21 on July 17. He sustained the injury during a training session with Kaivo Hockey in Vancouver. Video recorded by Blackhawks Focus on July 2 showed him losing an edge and crashing into the boards before leaving the ice while favoring his left shoulder.
Bedard was selected first overall in the 2023 NHL draft and earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2023-24. He led the Blackhawks with 75 points in 69 games last season, including 30 goals. Over 219 career NHL games he has recorded 203 points and a minus-98 rating.
Bedard has not yet appeared in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
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