Chicago Blackhawks

Huge Boost as Connor Bedard Set for Season Debut with Blackhawks

After months out with a shoulder injury, Connor Bedard is closing in on his Blackhawks season debut. Here’s the latest from Chicago.

by
NHL Trade Talk
October 12, 2026

The Chicago Blackhawks have started the 2026-27 season without their new captain, but that is about to change. Connor Bedard, handed the ‘C’ in the offseason, is on track to make his season debut Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Several reports from practices this weekend suggest Bedard is ready to go. “It feels good, I feel normal,” Bedard told reporters. “I think everyone’s comfortable with everything, contact, battles. I’m excited to keep building and get going here.”

Coach Jeff Blashill told reporters Monday that Bedard is “trending” toward playing, with the decision likely coming down to the coach. He laughed and added, “We’ll see how that goes,” which sounds like a coach eager to get his captain back.

ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported that as long as things stay on track through morning skate, Bedard is likely to play. He has been feeling good three months removed from shoulder surgery, and the medical team has been monitoring him. Kaplan called it a “huge boost for Chicago.”

The Blackhawks Need Bedard Back

Bedard has been out since April. Blashill acknowledged the challenge of coming back without game action, saying it is “not easy to just jump in and be great.” He also pointed to last year’s return, when Bedard still had restrictions such as no faceoffs, creating mental hurdles. This time, Blashill said, the surgically repaired shoulder “is in a great spot.”

At Monday’s practice, Bedard centered a line with Roman Kantserov and Patrick Kane on the wings, the same trio he skated with previously. It certainly looks like Chicago is preparing him for Tuesday.

The Highly Anticipated Bedard and Kane Chemistry

Kane and Bedard together have Chicago fans excited. Since the veteran signed back with the Blackhawks, there’s been a lot of buzz about what the two might do together. Kane returned to Chicago this season, and the veteran, once the face of the franchise, may be in the later stages of his career. Seeing him alongside Bedard could feel like a passing of the torch for Blackhawks fans.

Bedard is the club’s present and future, and after a long wait, his return looks imminent.

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