There has not been a lot of positive news for the Chicago Blackhawks in the first two weeks of the season.
But that may change on Tuesday, as team captain Connor Bedard has a good chance to make his season debut on home ice against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Chicago coach Jeff Blashill told reporters Monday that the top-line center is “trending toward” a return to the lineup.
The final test will be Tuesday’s morning skate. Bedard will play if he comes through that morning session feeling good, ESPN reported.
The 21-year-old top selection in the 2023 NHL Draft injured his left shoulder while training at home in Vancouver over the summer. He underwent surgery in July and, should he play Tuesday, will be on the ice about a month ahead of schedule.
Chicago is 1-5-0 and has been outscored 26-12 through six games.
Bedard is expected to center Patrick Kane and Roman Kantserov and play a major role on the power play, which has failed to score on 13 of 14 chances to date.
Bedard posted career highs in goals (30), assists (45) and total points (75), despite missing 13 games. In 219 games, Bedard has 75 goals and 128 assists.
The Blackhawks inked Bedard to a five-year, $75 million contract extension just 11 days after the surgery and named him team captain ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Chicago has finished in the cellar of the Central Division in each of Bedard’s first three seasons and has not reached the postseason since the 2019-20 campaign.