Bedard Could Return Tuesday, Pending Medical Clearance

Chicago Blackhawks captain Connor Bedard could make his season debut Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, but he had not yet received medical clearance as of Monday. Coach Jeff Blashill said Bedard was trending toward playing, with the team’s Tuesday morning skate serving as a final test before a decision. Bedard said he was waiting for a doctor’s appointment and had not been cleared to play in a game. He took part in full-contact practice Sunday, a step in his return from left-shoulder surgery in July. The injury occurred during offseason training in Vancouver. Blashill did not confirm that Bedard would be in the lineup. His return remained conditional on how he felt after the morning skate and on medical clearance. The reports did not establish whether he subsequently received approval or played. The Blackhawks have started the season 1-5-0 through six games. Bedard’s potential return would add their captain and leading scorer from last season to a team seeking its second win. He recorded 30 goals and 45 assists for 75 points in 69 games in 2025-26. Bedard, the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, has 203 points in 219 career games, including 75 goals.