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Connor Bedard Undergoes Shoulder Surgery, Misses Opening Month

7/10/2026

Summary

Bedard Undergoes Surgery

Chicago Blackhawks announced forward Connor Bedard had left-shoulder surgery on July 8, 2026.
The injury happened on July 2, 2026 in Burnaby, British Columbia during a training session when the player fell into the boards.
Dr. Michael Terry expects Bedard back by mid-November, so he will miss the opening month and 15-20 games.
Bedard, a restricted free agent, recorded 75 points (30 goals, 45 assists) in 69 games last season, with no contract update.

Summary

Carlsson Signs

The Anaheim Ducks signed Leo Carlsson to an $18 million AAV offer sheet, the NHL’s highest, which may affect Connor Bedard’s contract talks.
The preseason will be four games on Sept. 19 vs Minnesota, Sept. 24 in St. Louis, and Sept. 26 vs the Blues.
Connor Bedard earned exceptional player status in 2020 and won gold with Canada at the 2023 and 2024 World Junior Championships.

History

Historical Context

After the owners locked out players on September 16, 2004, the NHL cancelled the 2004-05 season on February 16, 2005 and, in July 2005, adopted a revenue-linked salary cap that began at $39 million and guaranteed players 54 percent of league revenues. Commissioner Gary Bettman’s cap forced teams such as the Chicago Blackhawks to limit payroll, a constraint that still shapes modern offer-sheet deals and injury-related roster decisions.

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Bedard Undergoes Surgery

Chicago Blackhawks announced forward Connor Bedard had left-shoulder surgery on July 8, 2026.
The injury happened on July 2, 2026 in Burnaby, British Columbia during a training session when the player fell into the boards.
Dr. Michael Terry expects Bedard back by mid-November, so he will miss the opening month and 15-20 games.
Bedard, a restricted free agent, recorded 75 points (30 goals, 45 assists) in 69 games last season, with no contract update.

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