Blackhawks' Bedard Addresses New Shoulder Injury After Offseason Surgery

Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard will miss the start of the 2026-27 season after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder, but the star center is already focused on his recovery and forgetting about the setback.

Bedard suffered the injury during an offseason training session and underwent surgery July 8. This issue, however, is different from the right shoulder injury he dealt with during the regular season.

Speaking Monday for the first time since suffering the injury and after inking a five-year, $75 million extension, Bedard said the early stages of rehabilitation have gone well.

“It’s feeling good. Almost two weeks from surgery now,” Bedard said. “I’m just kind of grinding and doing everything I can to hopefully make it as good and speedy as I can. Obviously, it’s still pretty early, but it’s feeling good.”

Bedard was given an estimated four-month recovery timeline. On Monday, he revealed his summer plans, saying he'll spend time in Vancouver while working with a rehabilitation team approved by the Blackhawks and his surgeon.

“I have a good team of people here [who will help] work on this and try to make sure recovery goes smoothly,” Bedard said. “Different physio or different workouts to do to stay prepared and get this thing back to 100 percent as quickly as possible.”

Bedard chose not to undergo surgery after hurting his other shoulder last season. This time, Bedard and the Blackhawks determined surgery was the best way to reduce the risk of reinjury, even if that means missing a few weeks to start next season.

“Once it happens, you can’t change it,” Bedard said. “I try to attack it with a good mindset and do everything I can to make it go as smooth as possible.

“At the end of the day, you have to be safe and feel comfortable with it (before returning). Whenever that is, it is. I’m going to do everything I can, for sure.”

Bedard finished his third NHL season with 75 points in 69 regular-season games, posting career-high figures in goals (30), assists (45), and total points.