Already dealing with a long injury list, things just got even worse on that front for the Blackhawks. The team announced (Twitter link) that they’ve placed center Connor Bedard and winger Nick Foligno on injured reserve. Bedard has a fractured jaw while Foligno is dealing with a fractured left finger.
Both players sustained the injuries during Friday’s game against New Jersey. Bedard was injured on a hit from Brendan Smith, leaving the game immediately after that. The 2023 top pick has been as advertised this season, leading Chicago in scoring with 15 goals and 18 assists in 39 games, making him the odds-on favorite for the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year. It also helped him land his first All-Star nod earlier this week.
While no timeline for a return was provided for either player, it’s worth noting that Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner is working his way back from a fractured jaw as well – he skated with the team today. His recovery timeline was estimated at six weeks at the time of injury so it’s possible the Blackhawks could be without their star rookie through the All-Star break at a minimum.
As for Foligno, the 36-year-old has come as advertised after his rights were acquired during the offseason. While he’s playing a lot higher in the lineup than he had in recent years, Foligno has been one of Chicago’s more productive forwards, collecting eight goals and nine assists in his 39 appearances so far. Both sides appear to be open about the possibility of a contract extension for the pending UFA.
Bedard and Foligno join a very crowded injury list that also includes forwards Taylor Hall, Tyler Johnson, Andreas Athanasiou, Anthony Beauvillier, Taylor Raddysh, and Joey Anderson along with defenseman Seth Jones. Chicago just swung a deal to acquire Rem Pitlick to get back to now 11 forwards on its active roster but another roster move will likely be coming before their game tomorrow against Calgary.