A rematch between the Connors — Connor Bedard and Connor McDavid — is on maintain as the Chicago Blackhawks center hit the IR with a broken 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 usually 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), objectives (15) and assists (18). He surpassed Jeff Skinner because the youngest player selected to the All-Star Game.
As for the hit that’s paused Bedard’s stellar marketing campaign, ideas had been diverse.
“I don’t suppose it was his [Smith] intent to hit,” Chicago’s head coach Luke Richardson said after the sport. “I believe he was simply taking part in laborious on the blue line and attempting 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 instructed the media. “It’s soiled. I believe it’s soiled.”
Moreover, Nick Foligno is out resulting from a fractured finger in his left hand after preventing 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 listing within the final 4 video games.
