The 1-5 Chicago Blackhawks can get help soon from their best player.
Coach Jeff Blashill told reporters on Monday, Oct. 12 that captain Connor Bedard is trending toward playing on Tuesday, when the Blackhawks face the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Bedard has yet to play this season because he had shoulder surgery after being injured during offseason training. He was scheduled to be out until early November, but took part in a full-contact practice on Sunday.
Bedard led the Blackhawks with 75 points in 69 games last season, despite missing time with another shoulder injury. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick has topped 200 points over his three NHL seasons and in July signed a five-year, $75 million contract to make him one of the league's highest-paid players.
Without Bedard, the Blackhawks are averaging 2.0 goals per game and are clicking at only 7.1% on the power play. That ranks in the bottom five in the league.
Connor Bedard injury update
Bedard, the Blackhawks' top player, has resumed full-contact practice. He's trending toward returning on Tuesday, Blashill said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When will Blackhawks' Connor Bedard return? Latest on shoulder injury