Connor Bedard, the highly touted rookie and No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, finds himself on the sidelines due to a fractured jaw. The injury occurred during a game against the New Jersey Devils, where Bedard took a hit from defenseman Brendan Smith in the first period of a 4-2 loss.
The impact was significant enough to force Bedard to leave the ice, holding his hand to his mouth.
The young talent has been a standout performer for the Chicago Blackhawks, leading both the team and all rookies in scoring with 33 points, consisting of 15 goals and 18 assists, in just 39 games. His stellar performances earned him a spot in the 2024 NHL All-Star Game.
The injury diagnosis revealed a fractured jaw, prompting the Chicago Blackhawks to place Bedard on injured reserve.
The nature of the fracture will determine the course of treatment, with more severe fractures often requiring jaw surgery for proper repair. However, in cases where the bones remain in their proper positions, less complex breaks may be treated with rest and immobilization.
The recovery timeline for a fractured jaw varies based on the severity of the injury. For mild fractures, special bandages may be used to stabilize the jaw during the healing process. The recovery period for such cases is relatively shorter, ranging from four to eight weeks.
It's worth noting that less serious fractures may require even less time for recovery. However, additional considerations come into play if teeth have been lost due to the injury. The process of replacing lost teeth typically begins after the jawbone has fully healed, adding some additional time to the overall recovery period.
Connor Bedard's All-Star Game debut now in jeopardy
Connor Bedard's highly anticipated debut in the NHL All-Star Game is now in jeopardy as the rookie has been placed on Injured Reserve (IR).
Bedard was on track to become the youngest player in league history to receive this honor at just 18 years and 202 days old.