Blackhawks put Connor Bedard (fractured jaw) on IR

Field Level Media|published: Sat 6th January, 13:06 2024

Dec 31, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Chicago Blackhawks at the American Airlines Center. credits: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Blackhawks placed star rookie Connor Bedard and fellow forward Nick Foligno on injured reserve Saturday.

Bedard sustained a fractured jaw Friday following a big hit from New Jersey defenseman Brendan Smith midway during the first period of the Devils' 4-2 victory over the Blackhawks.

Foligno took exception to the hit and was whistled for a matching roughing penalty with Smith. The two then dropped the gloves against each other at 5:04 of the second period.

Bedard, the No. 1 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, is having a stellar start to his career with the Blackhawks despite the team's struggles. The 18-year-old leads the team in goals (15), assists (18), points (33) and was named to the All-Star Game on Thursday.

Foligno, 36, was placed on injured reserve with a fractured left finger.

Foligno has 17 points (eight goals, nine assists) in 39 games during his first season with Chicago. He has totaled 542 points (223 goals, 319 assists) in 1,120 career games with the Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins and Blackhawks.

—Field Level Media

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