Greg Wyshynski, ESPNJ6. January 2024, 12:39 p.m. ET
Close
- Greg Wyshynski is ESPN's senior NHL writer.
Chicago Blackhawks rookie star Connor Bedard suffered a broken jaw Friday night and is placed on the injured list.
Bedard was eliminated in the first period of a 4-2 loss at the New Jersey Devils after a goal from defenseman Brendan Smith. He was examined by Chicago specialists Saturday morning after the team returned home.
The 18-year-old Bedard leads all NHL rookies in goals (15) and assists (18) in 39 games this season. The No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft also leads rookie forwards in average ice time (19:04).
Editor favorites
If selected this week, Bedard could become the youngest player ever in the NHL All-Star Game at 18 years, 201 days, surpassing a record set by Buffalo Sabers winger Jeff Skinner in 2011 (18 years, 259 days). days). Star Game is scheduled for February 3rd.
Bedard was injured on his fourth shift of the game when he ran across the Devils' blue line during a Blackhawks power play. As he went stickhandling into the zone, he was met with a shoulder check from Smith. Bedard fell to the ice and immediately clutched his jaw. He left the game at 9:11 of the first period when Nick Foligno, Brett Seney and several teammates initiated a scuffle with Smith behind the Devils' net.
“I haven't really seen it much. I don’t know if it was dirty,” said Chicago coach Luke Richardson, who played 21 seasons as a defenseman in the NHL. “I think Connor reached for a puck and didn’t see it because it was behind one of their players. I don't think he stepped on Connor. I think he somehow stopped and Connor ran headfirst into him. I don't think it was intentional [to injure]. I think he was just playing hard on the blue line and trying to keep the puck out on the penalty kill.
Devils coach Lindy Ruff agreed that he saw no intent in Smith's hit.
“I just think it’s a good shot. It's unfortunate where he got it from. You don't want to see that. “I think all young players learn at different times that there are different areas to be aware of,” Ruff said. “There is no intention. It’s just a solid hit.”
The Blackhawks' next game is at home against the Calgary Flames on Sunday. They face Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday in what was hoped to be a “Connor vs. Connor” rematch after the two faced each other for the first time ever on December 12th.
The Blackhawks also placed forward Foligno (broken finger) on injured reserve.