Connor Bedard Injury Update: What Happened, Is He Hurt, and Latest News (2025)

Connor Bedard — the elite young star of the Chicago Blackhawks and one of the NHL’s brightest talents — is once again under the spotlight due to a recent injury scare. In this comprehensive article, we break down what happened, his current status, history of injuries, impact on the Blackhawks, medical context, timelines, and answers to the most searched questions fans are asking.

Who Is Connor Bedard?

Connor Bedard is a professional ice hockey center for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted No. 1 overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Bedard quickly became one of hockey’s most electrifying young players, earning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s top rookie in the 2023-24 season. 

At just 20 years old (as of 2025), Bedard has already established himself among the NHL’s elite scorers, demonstrating elite playmaking and goal-scoring ability that has drawn comparisons to generational talents.

Latest Incident: What Happened to Bedard?

On Friday, December 12, 2025, in a game against the St. Louis Blues, Connor Bedard suffered an apparent right shoulder injury in the final seconds of regulation.

With 0.8 seconds remaining, Bedard was taking a faceoff in a desperate attempt to force overtime. During the play, Blues center Brayden Schenn’s pressure caused Bedard to fall awkwardly, and he immediately grabbed at his right shoulder before leaving the ice in visible pain. 

Chicago Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill described the injury as a “freak accident” and confirmed that Bedard will not play in the next scheduled game (vs. Detroit) while the team awaits further medical details. 

Initial Medical Response and Status

After the incident:

• Bedard skated off the ice holding his right shoulder, indicating immediate discomfort. 

• The Blackhawks ruled him out for the next game (Dec. 13, 2025) and are planning further evaluation early next week (likely Monday). 

• At the time, no official long-term injury designation was announced beyond this short absence.

Because this injury occurred in a non-collision context — a faceoff rather than a major open-ice hit — the team is treating the situation cautiously while obtaining further imaging and evaluation.

Bedard’s Recent Performance Before Injury

Heading into the game against the Blues:

• Bedard had 19 goals and 25 assists for 44 points in 31 games this season, ranking him among the NHL’s top scorers. 

• He contributed two assists in that particular loss before exiting.

This injury temporarily halted one of the Blackhawks’ most dynamic offensive forces.

Past Injury History

Connor Bedard has only a few notable injury incidents in his young career:

Fractured Jaw (January 2024)

During his rookie season, Bedard suffered a fractured jaw after a body check by New Jersey Devils defenseman Brendan Smith. He underwent surgery and was sidelined for 6-8 weeks, missing significant time. 

That injury was unrelated to this shoulder concern but showed Bedard’s resilience in returning to elite performance after a serious injury.

How Serious Is This Shoulder Injury?

As of the latest reports:

Severity: Unknown — initial diagnosis pending further scans.
Immediate Impact: Ruled out of the next game; further updates expected earlier in the week (anticipated Monday).
Long-Term Projection: No indication yet of long-term absence — team will assess once imaging and medical evaluation are complete.

Because the injury happened in a low-impact situation (faceoff rather than full collision), the concern is more about soft-tissue trauma than major structural damage — but only doctors can confirm final details after MRI and consultation.

Why This Matters for the Blackhawks

Bedard’s presence is critical for Chicago’s offense:

• He leads the team in scoring.

• Without him, the Blackhawks lose their best playmaker and offensive catalyst.

• Bedard is considered one of the team’s core future franchise pieces.

An extended absence could affect Chicago’s playoff hopes and momentum. The Blackhawks are already in a rebuilding phase, meaning Bedard’s performance and health are even more pivotal.

Expert Analysis: What Could This Mean?

1. Short-Term Rest vs. Full Evaluation

Experts believe that:

If this is primarily a soft-tissue injury (e.g., strained shoulder), Bedard may miss only a few games.
 If scans reveal structural issues (ligament or labrum involvement), longer absence or rehab could be required.

Only imaging and medical tests will offer clarity.

2. Monitoring With Reasonable Caution

Because Bedard’s driving playing style often places him in traffic and contested situations, the team must balance returning him quickly with ensuring full recovery. Rushing back could risk a recurrence or aggravation.

How Fans and Media Are Reacting

Social media and fan forums are buzzing with support:

• Fans hope for a minor injury and quick return.

• Others are analyzing the faceoff play and debating whether the contact was avoidable.

• Many highlight his importance to Chicago’s future.

Timeline: What’s Next

Sunday: Injury occurred & ruled out of next game.
Monday (Expected Update): Blackhawks to provide detailed medical evaluation and projected return timeline.
Following Days: Depending on imaging results, revisit prognosis and rehab timeline.

Stay tuned for official Blackhawks updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 Is Connor Bedard injured?

Yes. Connor Bedard sustained a shoulder injury during a faceoff with the St. Louis Blues on December 12, 2025, and was ruled out of the next game. 

 What exactly happened to Bedard?

Bedard went down in pain after a faceoff collision in the final second of regulation against the St. Louis Blues; he grabbed his right shoulder and exited the ice. 

How long will he be out?

At the moment, the Blackhawks have only ruled him out of the next game. A full return timeline will be established after further medical evaluation. Accuracy depends on imaging results and physician assessment.

 Is this a long-term injury?

There is no confirmation of a long-term absence. The injury’s seriousness will be clearer once scans and evaluations are completed.

Has Bedard been injured before?

Yes. In January 2024, Bedard suffered a fractured jaw, requiring surgery and a six-to-eight-week recovery. 

Will this impact Chicago’s season?

Potentially. Bedard is Chicago’s top scorer and offensive leader. His absence, even for a few games, could affect team performance.

 When will the next injury update be?

The Blackhawks expect to provide a more detailed update early next week (around Monday) after internal scans and evaluations. 

Conclusion

Connor Bedard’s injury on December 12, 2025 has sparked concern but also guarded optimism. While he’s currently out of the lineup, the team is taking a careful approach to diagnosis and recovery planning. With further scans and updates expected shortly, fans are watching closely for clarity on whether this injury will be short-term or require a more cautious rehab timeline.

Bedard’s importance to the Blackhawks — and the NHL as a whole — means every injury update is significant not just locally, but league-wide.