Off the ice, the Chicago Blackhawks received somewhat positive news on Connor Bedard’s injury on Tuesday. Bedard and teammate Frank Nazar made guest appearances on the latest episode of 32 Thoughts, and the 2023 No. 1 overall pick provided an update on what has him sidelined.
Like head coach Jeff Blashill on Monday, Bedard didn’t get into the specifics of his injury, but he did confirm that it’s a shoulder issue that he’s dealing with. However, shortly after the episode was released, an NHL insider revealed precisely what happened to Bedard’s shoulder on Friday night in St. Louis.
On the ice, tragedy struck the Blackhawks in the final minutes of Tuesday’s Original Six matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs. After holding the Leafs scoreless for most of the night, Chicago surrendered three unanswered goals in the final half of the third period, with two coming in eight seconds with under four minutes to play.
More in the links for a devastating defeat to start the three-game road trip in Canada.
Around the league, Macklin Celebrini joined an exclusive list that featured only Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby, Leon Draisaitl made history in a 6-4 win over the Penguins, and the New York Rangers’ home struggles continue.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Tidbits
Chicago Hockey Now: First order of business — an injury update from Connor Bedard himself. Here’s what the Chicago Blackhawks superstar had to say about the situation, along with some context from ESPN’s Kevin Weekes.
More CHN: ICYMI, Bedard was placed on injured reserve on Monday and will be re-evaluated by the team after the New Year. The Blackhawks also made two additional roster moves ahead of the three-game road trip.
More CHN: The Blackhawks appeared well on their way to an emphatic team victory in Toronto — but then tragedy struck in the final five minutes. With a 2-1 lead, the Blackhawks allowed two goals in eight seconds late in the game, handing two points over to the Leafs. It was a devastating way to end an otherwise sturdy defensive performance.
Also in Blackhawks news, goaltender Laurent Brossoit cleared waivers on Tuesday and will report back to the AHL. Brossoit, who’s in the final year of his current contract that carries a $3.3 million cap hit, went 2-1-0 with a 3.39 GAA and .900 Sv% in three starts with the IceHogs during his recent conditioning stint. According to Frank Seravalli on CHN’s Pregame Show on Tuesday, the Blackhawks didn’t receive much trade interest for Brossoit.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: Chris Johnston’s latest NHL trade board dropped this morning. Two Blackhawks were mentioned among the group of players that could be moved if there’s a flurry before the holiday freeze.
ESPN: Former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban is dabbling into the NHL scene now that he’s retired. Saban has purchased a minority stake in the Nashville Predators.
NHL.com: In the Edmonton Oilers 6-4 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, Leon Draisaitl became the first German-born player in NHL history to reach 1,000 points. Draisaitl racked up four assists to become the 103rd player in league history to reach the prestigious mark.
Forever Blueshirts: The New York Rangers were shutout at Madison Square Garden for the sixth time already this season, losing 3-0 to the last-place Vancouver Canucks. The team is still seeking answers to the issues on home ice.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: On the other side of the outcome, here’s the recap from the PHN on the Penguins loss, where they were buried by Edmonton’s stars and power play.
San Jose Hockey Now: With four points in the San Jose Sharks 6-3 win over the Calgary Flames, Macklin Celebrini became the third-fastest teenager to reach the 50-point mark in a single season, trailing only Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby. Celebrini is now third in the NHL in points this season.
Philly Hockey Now: Finally, Rasmus Ristolainen has returned for the Philadelphia Flyers. Ristolainen has been out since last March and will provide a big boost to the blue line.
Detroit Hockey Now: Alex DeBrincat scored two more goals in the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 win over the New York Islanders. What more must DeBrincat do to convince Team USA he deserves an Olympic roster spot?
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