The Blackhawks’ planned step toward playoff contention in 2026-27 has already hit a massive snag.
Connor Bedard, the team’s best player, will be sidelined approximately four months after undergoing left shoulder surgery Wednesday.
That slates Bedard to theoretically return in early to mid-November, more than a month after the start of the season Sept. 29. The Hawks’ schedule will be announced July 16.
Bedard suffered the injury while skating last Thursday with his usual group of Vancouver-based pros. Sabres forward Zach Benson, Canucks forward Arshdeep Bains and Sharks prospect Luca Cagnoni were among the players on the ice at the time.
A video of the incident showed Bedard losing his balance and falling into the boards, then quickly skating off the ice holding his left shoulder in pain.
I have video of Connor Bedard leaving practice today with a left shoulder injury, as first reported by @RyanmcgregorCHI. You can hear him in severe pain as he leaves the ice: pic.twitter.com/MySM1UwLht
— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) July 2, 2026
Bedard injured his right shoulder — the other shoulder — during a game last December and elected not to undergo surgery in that case. He missed about a month of action and was less than 100% for another month or so after returning.
Bedard is also currently without a contract as a restricted free agent. His camp and the Hawks have been negotiating, but the shocking price tag on Ducks center Leo Carlsson’s offer sheet from the Flyers might have recently changed the dynamic of those negotiations. This injury could also affect the price tag slightly.
This story will be updated.