NHL Rumors: Connor Bedard to Return to Blackhawks vs. Penguins After Jaw Injury

Chicago Blackhawks standout rookie center Connor Bedard is set for a return to the lineup on Thursday for the team's matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Emily Kaplan of ESPN reported Bedard would return on Thursday after the Blackhawks posted a video of Bedard's highlights, seemingly hinting the rookie was ready to play.

Kevin Weekes of ESPN and NHL Network first reported Bedard had a "good chance" of playing against the Penguins.

The 18-year-old hasn't appeared in a game since Jan. 5 due to a fractured jaw that was suffered after a hit from Brendan Smith of the New Jersey Devils, requiring surgery.

Bedard has totaled 33 points and 15 goals in the first 39 games of his career.

Despite missing over a month of action, he leads all NHL rookies in goals and points while ranking No. 4 in assists. His 2023-24 campaign got off to an extremely hot start, as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL draft started his career with 13 points in his first 13 appearances.

Although he wasn't able to participate due to his injury, he became the youngest player in NHL history selected to compete in an All-Star Game. A return to the ice this early comes as a surprise, as Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson previously discussed a slightly longer timeline when speaking to reporters earlier in the week.

"We're hoping after that six-week mark [after surgery], so that will be a week from today, I guess," Richardson said on Monday, per Tracey Myers of NHL.com.

However, it appears that Bedard has progressed in his rehab faster than anticipated and will attempt to help the Blackhawks end their current seven-game losing streak. The rookie discussed his mindset regarding a return on Feb. 7.

"I mean I feel good and ready, but obviously there's a process of it," he said, via Myers. "Obviously anyone who's hurt would say it's frustrating, but trying to do as much as I can and be prepared when I'm back."

Chicago will take on Pittsburgh in his first game back, starting at 8:30 p.m. ET.

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