Connor Bedard to Miss Start of 2026-27 Season After Shoulder Surgery

A Concerning Pattern of Injuries\n\nThis marks the third significant injury for Bedard in his young NHL career. As a rookie (2023-24), he missed 14 games with a fractured jaw sustained in a game against the New Jersey Devils. Last season (2025-26), he missed 12 games after a faceoff collision with the Blues' Brayden Schenn resulted in a right shoulder injury that did not require surgery. This latest setback — a left shoulder injury requiring surgery — occurred during an off-ice training session, raising questions about durability for the young star.\n\n### Impact on the Blackhawks' Season\n\nThe 2026-27 season begins in late September, and the Blackhawks will need to navigate the first month-plus without their franchise player. Frank Nazar and Anton Frondell — both first-round picks — are expected to compete for the No. 1 center role in Bedard's absence. General Manager Kyle Davidson has signaled that the rebuild is entering its next phase, but starting the season without Bedard puts the team 'behind the 8-ball,' as reported by *The Athletic*.\n\n### Who This Affects Most\n\n- Chicago Blackhawks fans: The team's playoff hopes could be severely impacted by a slow start.\n- Fantasy hockey managers: Bedard's ADP will likely drop significantly for the 2026-27 fantasy season, creating a potential value opportunity if he returns healthy.\n- NHL betting markets: Early-season Blackhawks lines and over/under projections will adjust downward without their star center.\n\n### How to Prepare\n\n- Fantasy managers should consider drafting Bedard at a discount but pair him with a reliable early-season replacement center.\n- Blackhawks fans should temper expectations for October and early November, but the long-term health of their franchise player remains the priority.

When exactly will Connor Bedard return to the lineup?\nA: The four-month recovery timeline projects a return in early to mid-November 2026, though the exact date will depend on his rehabilitation progress.\n\nQ: Is this injury related to his previous shoulder issue?\nA: No. Last season's injury was to his right shoulder (sustained in a game vs. St. Louis) and did not require surgery. This surgery was on his left shoulder, injured during offseason training.\n\nQ: What does this mean for Bedard's contract negotiations?\nA: The injury is not expected to derail contract talks. Bedard remains a restricted free agent, and the Blackhawks have expressed confidence in his long-term future with the organization.\n\nQ: Who will replace Bedard as the team's No. 1 center?**\nA: Frank Nazar (2022 first-round pick) and Anton Frondell (2025 first-round pick) are the leading candidates to fill the top-line center role.

Do you think the Blackhawks can stay competitive in the Central Division without Bedard for the first month of the season? Let us know in the comments!\n\n*Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!*\n\nFollow us on: Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit\n\n### Sources\n- NHL.com – Bedard to miss start of 2026-27 season for Blackhawks after shoulder surgery\n- The Athletic – Blackhawks' Connor Bedard undergoes shoulder surgery after offseason injury\n- Yahoo Sports – BREAKING NEWS: Blackhawks Issue Unpleasant Update On Connor Bedard's Injury