Blackhawks’ Bedard likely to make season debut Tuesday vs. Penguins

Chicago Blackhawks captain Connor Bedard is expected to make his season debut on Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Head coach Jeff Blashill noted that Bedard is trending toward returning to center the top line alongside Patrick Kane and Roman Kantserov. Bedard is slated to play as long as he feels good during Tuesday's morning skate, returning just over three months after undergoing left shoulder surgery in July.

Bedard's return comes ahead of his original four-month recovery timeline to boost a struggling Chicago team that has won only one of its first six games. During the offseason, the Blackhawks signed the 2023 No. 1 overall pick to a five-year, $75 million extension and named him captain.