On January 5th Blackhawks’ center Connor Bedard suffered a fractured jaw from a check from New Jersey Devils defenseman, Brendan Smith. He sustained the injury in the first period of the hockey game and left the ice immediately after the massive hit.

A few minutes after the check, Nick Foligno, the de facto captain of the Blackhawks, dropped the gloves and initiated a fight with Smith. During the exchange Foligno sustained a fractured finger resulting in a seven game absence. Despite the check arguably being clean, Foligno later commented about the situation and justified starting the fight. He told reporters on January 5th, “[Smith] targeted one of our players, who was in a vulnerable spot at the time.” Moreover he said it was his job to “make sure [Bedard] knows he feels protected” on the ice.

It is a big loss for the Chicago Blackhawks as Bedard leads the team in points with 15 goals and is the heavy favorite for the Calder Rookie of the Year Trophy. His absence has been shown as the Blackhawks have struggled to execute on offense and remain last in the Central Division.

Bedard, only 18 years old, was the youngest player ever to be selected to be a 2024 All-Star and attend All Star Weekend that is being held February 1st through the 3rd in Toronto. Despite the amazing feat, his devastating injury will take away his chance of participating in his first ever All Stars Game.

Despite skating in practice after the surgery and wearing a bubble helmet for protection, Bedard is still set to sit out for the next few weeks ahead, while the fans and team anxiously await his return.