Chicago’s decision to place Connor Bedard on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury dealt a blow to his Olympic aspirations. The injury occurred in the final moments of a recent game, sidelining Bedard for a minimum of two weeks. This setback has raised doubts about his chances of making the Canadian Olympic team for the upcoming tournament. Despite being initially seen as a long shot for the national squad, Bedard’s strong performance this season had influenced the conversation.
Chicago’s head coach, Jeff Blashill, confirmed that Bedard, the team’s leading scorer with 44 points, will undergo evaluation in the new year, with no immediate need for surgery. The team is now faced with the challenge of compensating for Bedard’s absence through a collective effort. The potential return of captain Nick Foligno from injury could provide a much-needed boost to the team.
Blashill emphasized the need for the team to step up collectively in Bedard’s absence, highlighting the importance of improving defensively and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Chicago has also made roster adjustments, recalling players from the minor leagues to reinforce the team. The upcoming games will test Chicago’s ability to adapt and perform without their star player.
