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Blackhawks begin season without Connor Bedard due to shoulder injury

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 29, 2026, 5:37 PM

Last updated Sep 29, 2026

Blackhawks begin season without Connor Bedard due to shoulder injury

Summary

The Chicago Blackhawks are set to play their first game of the 2026-27 season tonight, missing captain Connor Bedard, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury. Head Coach Jeff Blashill confirmed that Bedard is not ready to return to practice. The team is looking to adapt following a preseason where they won two out of four games. Despite concerns about their defense, new additions like Bowen Byram are expected to contribute significantly. The Blackhawks must blend their lineup effectively while assessing players stepping up in Bedard's absence.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Blackhawks play first game of the season tonight
•Connor Bedard out with a shoulder injury
•Chicago won two of four preseason games
•Bowen Byram showed promise during preseason
•Blackhawks adjusting roster and lineup strategies

Latest Updates

5:37 PMYahoo Sports — Can the Blackhawks Survive the Start of the Season Without Connor Bedard?

What they're saying

"
The Chicago Blackhawks play their first game of the 2026-27 season tonight. They will be without their captain, Connor Bedard. Bedard is still dealing with a shoulder injury sustained in training this summer. Head Coach Jeff Blashill recently confirmed that he is not ready to return to practice with the team. https://twitter.com/ByScottPowers/status/2102824765580804146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2102824765580804146%7Ctwgr%5Ec017db3c2ed23752b11b8fae6239630c4c2e7e09%7Ctwc
— Yahoo Sports

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