Connor Bedard sustained an undisclosed injury for the Chicago Blackhawks in the first period of a 4-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Friday.
Bedard was injured after taking a hit from Devils defenseman Brendan Smith at 10:42. Bedard crossed into the offensive zone and was checked by Smith in the slot. He left the ice with his hand at his mouth.
Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson said Bedard would evaluated Saturday after they return to Chicago.
“Well, I think he obviously banged his head, but I’m not sure,” Richardson said. “I just got in there now and haven’t heard anything other than everybody’s coming home tonight, everybody’s fine to come home and we’ll get him checked out at home.
“… [The trainers] didn’t say that he’s got a concussion, but we’ll just wait until we get home and checked out thoroughly.”
Bedard, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, leads the Blackhawks in scoring with 33 points (15 goals, 18 assists) in 39 games. He was named to the 2024 NHL All-Star Game on Thursday.
“I just think it’s a good hit; it’s unfortunate where it got him,” New Jersey coach Lindy Ruff said. “You don’t want to see that. I think, at different times, all young players learn that there’s different areas where … I mean, I learned the hard way. I got knocked out cold. … You’ve got to be aware.
“There was no intent or anything; it was just a solid hit.”
Chicago played the finale of a five-game road trip (0-4-1), during which time it also lost forwards Taylor Raddysh (groin), Tyler Johnson (foot) and Anthony Beauvillier (wrist) to injury.
Forward Nick Foligno (undisclosed) did not play in the third period Friday. He fought Smith at 5:04 of the second.
“They’re both banged up and there’s really nothing we can do too much here other than get them home and get them to our specialists and see if everything’s OK,” Richardson said.
