Chicago Blackhawks captain Connor Bedard is expected to make his 2026-27 debut Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the United Center.
Bedard took part in an optional morning skate Tuesday, after which coach Jeff Blashill said, “As things stand right now, Bedard is in our lineup tonight.”
The Hawks have until after pregame warmups to finalize their lineup for Tuesday’s 7 p.m. game. Warmups typically begin about 30 to 40 minutes before puck drop.
Asked after morning skate about making his season debut, Bedard said, “Yeah, I’m pumped.”
Bedard missed the first six games of the season while recovering from left shoulder surgery. The Hawks are 1-5-0.
“It’s crazy it’s only been six games,” he said. “When you miss camp and you miss preseason, (it) feels a lot longer. Just to be back with the guys and get to do what I love, it’s exciting.”
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Bedard was injured July 2 when he fell into the boards during an unofficial practice in Burnaby, British Columbia, near his hometown of Vancouver. He had surgery on the shoulder July 8 with an original recovery timeline of four months.
His expected return Tuesday would beat that timeline by almost a month. Despite the early return, he said he has no concerns about his shoulder.
“If I did, I wouldn’t be going,” Bedard said. “(I’ll) go out there and play normal and play free. If I was hesitant, then I wouldn’t want to come back.”
The 21-year-old center had been practicing by himself in a noncontact sweater but recently rejoined the team for workouts, donning a normal jersey for practices Sunday and Monday after taking faceoffs Saturday.
His return would be eagerly welcomed by the Hawks, who have struggled to produce offense without Bedard. They’re averaging two goals per game and have converted only 1 of 14 power plays.
Bedard is expected to share the ice with Patrick Kane for the first time as teammates. The two have skated on the top line together in practice alongside rookie Roman Kantserov. Kane, 37, shared his excitement Monday about Bedard’s looming return.
“It’s definitely a boost to the whole team,” Kane said. “Seeing what he’s capable of doing out there just in practice, it’s high-level skill — the way he attacks, the way he can make plays off attacking. He’s a special player and he’s a big part of our team, so it’s nice to see him back.”
This was the third time in his four NHL seasons that Bedard missed extended time because of an injury. His only full season was his second one in 2024-25. The 2023 No. 1 draft pick has 203 points (75 goals, 128 assists) in 219 career games.
Tuesday’s game against the Penguins is the second of seven in a row for the Hawks at the United Center.