PUBLICATION
TJ Tucker
December 15, 2025Â Â (5:56 PM)
With the Maple Leafs desperately needing a win, they’ll have a big advantage over the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, following the Connor Bedard news.
At a time when the Toronto Maple Leafs could really use a win to boost their confidence, an announcement from the Chicago Blackhawks had made that far more likely.
The Blackhawks have announced that young star and former first overall draft pick Connor Bedard has been placed on injured reserve.
Blackhawks place Bedard on IR just before game against the Maple Leafs
It’s not long-term injured reserve, so Bedard’s stay on the sidelines may not extend more than 2 or 3 weeks. However, it guarantees he won’t play tomorrow night against the Maple Leafs, and can’t get back into Chicago’s lineup until this weekend at the earliest.
Bedard was hurt at the very end of a Blackhawks’ victory over the St. Louis Blues Friday. He left the ice clutching his shoulder in what seemed like a bit of a freak accident.
In his third year in the league, Bedard is on pace to shatter his previous offensive highs, which were already pretty good.
To be fair, the Blackhawks have other offensive threats, but the team is not a deep one as its rebuild continues, and the Maple Leafs really should be able to take advantage of an unfortunate situation for the Hawks.
Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily
POLL
7 HOURS AGOÂ Â Â |Â Â Â 124 ANSWERS
Announcement confirms Maple Leafs to receive big advantage over the Blackhawks
Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs will beat the Chicago Blackhawks?