Bedard Sidelined Until 2026 with Upper Body Injury, No Surgery Needed

Blackhawks' leading scorer Connor Bedard has been placed on injured reserve with an upper body injury, sustained late in Friday's loss. He will not require surgery but is expected to be sidelined until the calendar flips to 2026, missing the upcoming road trip. The transaction is retroactive to December 12, making him eligible to return on December 19, though his return timeline is uncertain. Frank Nazar or Jason Dickinson are expected to fill his first-line center role. Bedard has recorded 19 goals, 25 assists for 44 points, and 103 shots in 31 appearances this season.