Blackhawks' Connor Bedard steps up rehab in return from shoulder injury

Connor Bedard skated in part of Tuesday's practice as he ramps up rehab from a right shoulder injury sustained Dec. 12; he was ruled out for Wednesday's game while the coach left open a possible return this weekend.

Connor Bedard joined the Chicago Blackhawks for part of Tuesday's practice as he advances his rehabilitation from a right shoulder injury sustained on Dec. 12. He had been among the NHL leaders with 19 goals and 25 assists in 31 games before the injury. Coach Jeff Blashill said Bedard was involved in flow-type drills and that the team will keep progressing his work. Bedard was ruled out for Wednesday's game but the coach left open the possibility of a return this weekend. Known details: - Bedard suffered the shoulder injury on a draw with 0.8 seconds left in a Dec. 12 loss at St. Louis. - He joined part of Tuesday's practice and took part in team flow drills, according to coach Jeff Blashill. - Bedard was ruled out for Wednesday night's game against St. Louis, with potential for a return this coming weekend. - Forward Frank Nazar was also skating; he had been placed on injured reserve after being hit in the face by a puck on Dec. 20. - Bedard was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft and was left off Team Canada's Olympic roster, though he could be added as an injury replacement. Summary: Bedard's on-ice work is a visible step in his comeback and offers the Blackhawks a hopeful development for upcoming games, while the club continues to monitor his progress. Undetermined at this time: the exact date he will return to game action and whether he will be added to Canada's Olympic roster as a replacement.