Bedard's Offseason Setback
Blackhawks' Connor Bedard suffers apparent shoulder injury amid contract talks.
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Key Points
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Bedard missed nearly a month last season with a right shoulder injury after a face‑off, and he did not participate in this summer’s IIHF World Championship in part due to rehabbing that shoulder.
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Last season he dislocated his right shoulder against the St. Louis Blues on Dec. 12, missing 12 games; he avoided surgery and was managed with rehab and workload considerations upon his return.
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Video from Burnaby practice shows Bedard losing balance and crashing into the boards, then skating off in clear pain with his left shoulder.
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If this left-shoulder incident mirrors last season’s pattern, Bedard could be healthy for the start of training camp in mid-September, though the offseason rehab and workload management remain uncertain.
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Bedard remains an unsigned restricted free agent, with his agent Don Meehan not immediately responding to requests for comment as contract negotiations continue.
Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard suffered an apparent left shoulder injury during an offseason skating session in Burnaby, British Columbia, according to Clutch Points. Video from the session shows the 20-year-old losing his balance, crashing into the boards, and skating off the ice in visible pain.
The injury raises immediate concerns for the Blackhawks. Bedard dislocated his right shoulder on Dec. 12 against the St. Louis Blues last season, missing 12 games. A repeat shoulder issue — now on the opposite side — could cloud his timeline heading into training camp in mid-September, TSN reported.
How the Burnaby Injury Unfolded on the Ice
The incident happened during a backhand pass attempt, according to SSB Crack News. Bedard lost his balance and slammed into the boards left-shoulder-first. He then skated off the ice grimacing. Multiple clips circulating online captured the moment clearly.
Gino Hard noted the injury looked similar to his December shoulder separation in St. Louis. That earlier injury kept Bedard out for nearly a month. No official diagnosis has been released yet, and the Blackhawks have not made a public statement, according to Marker Zone.
Last Season's Shoulder Scare Still Fresh for Chicago
Bedard's right shoulder injury on Dec. 12 was a significant setback last season. He missed 12 games but avoided surgery. The team managed his workload carefully after his return. He also skipped the IIHF World Championship this summer, partly to rest and rehab that same shoulder.
Now a left-shoulder injury has emerged in the same offseason. Marker Zone reported that a doctor reviewed footage of the incident and weighed in, though no official medical assessment has been confirmed. If this injury follows last season's pattern, Bedard could still be ready for camp — but that is far from certain.
Contract Uncertainty Adds Pressure to Bedard's Offseason
Bedard is also an unsigned restricted free agent. That means Chicago holds his rights, but a new deal has not been signed yet. His agent, Don Meehan, did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to Clutch Points.
The combination of an injury and unresolved contract talks puts Bedard in a difficult spot. He is the cornerstone of Chicago's rebuild. Any delay in his return to full health could affect both his negotiating momentum and the Blackhawks' preparations for the 2025-26 season.
Training Camp Timeline Still Unclear as Team Stays Quiet
NHL training camps typically open in mid-September. If the left-shoulder injury is minor, Bedard could recover in time. TSN noted the expected timeline should become clearer in the coming days as more information surfaces.
For now, the Blackhawks have offered no update. The lack of communication mirrors the early days of his December injury. Chicago fans and league observers are watching closely, given how central Bedard is to the franchise's future.
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