LATEST | Connor Bedard receives bad news following surgery

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Luc Leblanc
January 10, 2024 (9:06)

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Chicago Blackhawks rookie phenom Connor Bedard underwent surgery to repair a broken jaw suffered against the New Jersey Devils on January 5th. He's now set to miss 6-8 weeks, meaning the Hawks will need to announce a replacement as their representative for the 2024 NHL All-Star game.

Bedard, 18, has 33 points on 15 goals and 18 assists in just 39 games this season, meeting lofty expectations. Right behind him, however, is former Canuck Jason Dickinson, sitting at 14 goals. No other Blackhawks player has more than nine goals.

Other notable potential selections include Philip Kurashev, who sits second in points behind Bedard at 23, veteran Nick Foligno, and ex-Canuck Anthony Beauvillier. Beauvillier sits 5th on the Hawks with 14 points, but currently finds himself on the injured reserve. Goaltender Petr Mrazek also boasts a .902 save percentage, and a 3.21 GAA, compared to the team's average of 3.71.

Chicago will need to name a replacement before February 1st as the All-Star weekend is set to take place. Not only will Bedard miss the all-star week-end, but à long-term absence could set him back a few ranks in his quest for the Calder Trophy. It also means that he'll be missing his team's first visit at the Rogers Arena.

On the other end, Bedard's injury will definitely help the Hawks in their rebuild. When your best player is out, he becomes harder for them to perform which will definitely help them pick a top-end prospect at the 2024 Draft, perhaps a certain Macklin Celebrini?