Already coping with an extended harm listing, issues simply received even worse on that entrance for the Blackhawks. The crew announced that they’ve positioned middle Connor Bedard and winger Nick Foligno on injured reserve. Bedard has a fractured jaw whereas Foligno is coping with a fractured left finger.
Each gamers sustained the accidents throughout Friday’s recreation in opposition to New Jersey. Bedard was injured on a success from Brendan Smith, leaving the sport instantly after that. The 2023 prime decide has been as marketed this season, main Chicago in scoring with 15 objectives and 18 assists in 39 video games, making him the odds-on favourite for the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the 12 months. It additionally helped him land his first All-Star nod earlier this week.
Whereas no timeline for a return was supplied for both participant, it’s price noting that Blue Jackets middle Boone Jenner is working his method again from a fractured jaw as nicely — he skated with the crew Saturday. His restoration timeline was estimated at six weeks on the time of harm so it’s doable the Blackhawks might be with out their star rookie by way of the All-Star break at a minimal.
As for Foligno, the 36-year-old has come as marketed after his rights had been acquired in the course of the offseason. Whereas he’s taking part in lots larger within the lineup than he had lately, Foligno has been one in all Chicago’s extra productive forwards, amassing eight objectives and 9 assists in his 39 appearances up to now. Each side look like open concerning the possibility of a contract extension for the pending UFA.
Bedard and Foligno be part of a really crowded harm listing that additionally consists of forwards Taylor Hall, Tyler Johnson, Andreas Athanasiou, Anthony Beauvillier, Taylor Raddysh, and Joey Anderson together with defenseman Seth Jones. Chicago simply swung a deal to acquire Rem Pitlick to get again to now 11 forwards on its energetic roster however one other roster transfer will doubtless be coming earlier than their recreation on Sunday in opposition to Calgary.
