Overview
- The Chicago Blackhawks announced Wednesday, July 8, 2026, that Bedard underwent successful surgery on his left shoulder and is expected to make a full recovery in roughly four months.
- Video from an on-ice workout in Burnaby, British Columbia, showed Bedard slip and fall into the boards, and teams say the non-contact crash led to the left-shoulder damage that required surgery.
- The four-month timeline rules Bedard out of training camp and projects a return around early to mid-November, meaning he will miss at least the first month of the 2026-27 season under the new 84-game schedule.
- Bedard is an unsigned restricted free agent, and the injury is likely to slow or change extension talks and reduce the immediate chance of rival teams submitting large offer sheets.
- Chicago must reconfigure its opening roster with Frank Nazar, Anton Frondell and others slated for bigger roles and general manager Kyle Davidson may pursue short-term reinforcements while monitoring Bedard’s rehab and long-term shoulder durability.