(Chicago) Chicago Blackhawks star rookie Connor Bedard has been given the green light to return to the game following an absence of nearly six weeks due to a broken jaw.
The Blackhawks announced Bédard’s return before hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday.
The 18-year-old forward from North Vancouver suffered a broken jaw during a 4-2 loss to New Jersey on Jan. 5 when he was hit by Devils defenseman Brendan Smith. He had surgery three days later.
Chicago selected Bédard first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Despite his long absence, before facing the Penguins, he was tied with defenseman Brock Faber of the Minnesota Wild for first place in rookie scoring with 33 points, including 15 goals, in 39 games.