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Connor Bedard Expected to Return Tuesday vs Penguins

By Drooid · Oct 13, 2026, 2:42 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Bedard Plays Tuesday

Connor Bedard is expected to play Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
He underwent left shoulder surgery on July 9 after a training injury in western Canada.
Bedard signed a five-year, $75 million extension with Chicago in July.
He was named the Blackhawks’ 37th captain, the franchise’s second-youngest leader.
Chicago sits 1-5-0, averaging 2.0 goals per game and a 7.1% power-play rate.

Summary

Blashill Adjusts Lineup

Coach Jeff Blashill said Bedard may slot on power-play left side, freeing Patrick Kane to his natural right wing.
The Blackhawks are 1-for-14 on the power play this season, highlighting the need for Bedard.
Frank Nazar’s suspension leaves a roster spot that Bedard’s return will force coaches to re-configure.
Anton Frondell is centering a tentative second line with Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen in practice.

History

Historical Context

In the 1995-96 NHL season, the Pittsburgh Penguins captured the Stanley Cup after posting a 20.5% power-play conversion rate. Led by captain Mario Lemieux and coach Craig Patrick, the Penguins scored 2,714 power-play opportunities, converting 558 goals. Today, the Chicago Blackhawks rely on rookie Connor Bedard, newly named captain by Jeff Blashill, to revive a 1-for-14 power-play slump, echoing the Penguins’ past reliance on a star to spark special teams. If Bedard replicates Lemieux’s impact, Chicago could lift its 7.1% power-play rate toward the league average, reshaping its playoff prospects.

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Bedard Plays Tuesday

Connor Bedard is expected to play Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
He underwent left shoulder surgery on July 9 after a training injury in western Canada.
Bedard signed a five-year, $75 million extension with Chicago in July.
He was named the Blackhawks’ 37th captain, the franchise’s second-youngest leader.
Chicago sits 1-5-0, averaging 2.0 goals per game and a 7.1% power-play rate.

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