Already coping with an extended damage record, issues simply acquired even worse on that entrance for the Blackhawks. The staff introduced that they’ve positioned heart Connor Bedard and winger Nick Foligno on injured reserve. Bedard has a fractured jaw whereas Foligno is coping with a fractured left finger.
Each gamers sustained the accidents throughout Friday’s sport in opposition to New Jersey. Bedard was injured on a success from Brendan Smith, leaving the sport instantly after that. The 2023 prime decide has been as marketed this season, main Chicago in scoring with 15 targets and 18 assists in 39 video games, making him the odds-on favourite for the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Yr. It additionally helped him land his first All-Star nod earlier this week.
Whereas no timeline for a return was supplied for both participant, it’s value noting that Blue Jackets heart Boone Jenner is working his manner again from a fractured jaw as nicely — he skated with the staff Saturday. His restoration timeline was estimated at six weeks on the time of damage so it’s doable the Blackhawks could possibly be with out their star rookie by means of the All-Star break at a minimal.
As for Foligno, the 36-year-old has come as marketed after his rights have been acquired through the offseason. Whereas he’s enjoying loads larger within the lineup than he had in recent times, Foligno has been one in all Chicago’s extra productive forwards, amassing eight targets and 9 assists in his 39 appearances to this point. Each side seem like open concerning the chance of a contract extension for the pending UFA.
Bedard and Foligno be a part of a really crowded damage record that additionally consists of forwards Taylor Corridor, Tyler Johnson, Andreas Athanasiou, Anthony Beauvillier, Taylor Raddysh, and Joey Anderson together with defenseman Seth Jones. Chicago simply swung a deal to purchase Rem Pitlick to get again to now 11 forwards on its lively roster however one other roster transfer will seemingly be coming earlier than their sport on Sunday in opposition to Calgary.
