A rematch between the Connors — Connor Bedard and Connor McDavid — is on maintain as the Chicago Blackhawks heart hit the IR with a damaged jaw.
Bedard, the NHL’s high rookie, took a success from Brendan Smith within the first interval of Chicago’s 4-2 loss to the Devils.
There’s no timetable for Bedard’s return, although restoration time is mostly 4-8 weeks.
Chicago’s subsequent recreation is tomorrow in opposition to Edmonton. It’s the second assembly of the season between the groups, with the latter led by McDavid, the reigning Hart Memorial Trophy winner.
Bedard, the No. 1 decide of the 2023 Draft, leads all rookies in factors (33), targets (15) and assists (18). He surpassed Jeff Skinner because the youngest participant chosen to the All-Star Recreation.
As for the hit that’s paused Bedard’s stellar marketing campaign, ideas had been diversified.
“I don’t suppose it was his [Smith] intent to hit,” Chicago’s head coach Luke Richardson stated after the sport. “I feel he was simply enjoying exhausting on the blue line and making an attempt to maintain the puck out on the penalty kill.”
“There’s no intent. It’s only a strong hit,” added Devils coach Lindy Ruff.
Bedard’s teammate Bris Katchouk disagreed.
“All people noticed it,” he advised the media. “It’s soiled. I feel it’s soiled.”
Moreover, Nick Foligno is out on account of a fractured finger in his left hand after combating Smith for the hit. The Blackhawks now have 9 gamers on their IR, together with Taylor Corridor and Andreas Athanasiou. 5 gamers (Bedard, Foligno, Anthony Beauvellier, Seth Jones, and Taylor Raddysh) have all been positioned on the record within the final 4 video games.
