The initial shock still lingers following the devastating news that Connor Bedard underwent successful left shoulder surgery on Wednesday. There are plenty of on-ice challenges ahead for the Chicago Blackhawks without Bedard for the first month of the 2026-27 regular season.
Of course, with Bedard still needing a new contract as a restricted free agent this summer, there are also now some off-ice difficulties for GM Kyle Davidson to sort through with his extension.
Check out the links for a breakdown on how Bedard’s recent injury impacts his next contract, if at all.
Around the league, the Anaheim Ducks secured Leo Carlsson, Dylan Larkin expanded his trade list (barely), and what comes next for the Philadelphia Flyers.
All that & more in the Daily!
Blackhawks Offseason, News & Trade Rumors
Chicago Hockey Now: Still tough to believe. The Blackhawks announced on Wednesday that star forward Connor Bedard underwent shoulder surgery and will miss approximately four months while recovering. Here’s everything to know about Bedard’s injury, plus video footage of the incident.
More CHN: Not only did Leo Carlsson’s offer sheet make matters more complicated for Connor Bedard’s extension, but so too does his recent injury. Will the Blackhawks be hesitant to give Bedard a Carlsson-esque contract after getting hurt for the third time in four years?
More CHN: ICYMI — the Blackhawks signed goaltender Drew Commesso to a two-year contract extension on Monday. Commesso is the first of four restricted free agents to re-sign with Chicago this summer.
Since the Bedard news was announced, many Blackhawks fans have been calling for GM Kyle Davidson to sign franchise icon Patrick Kane as an unrestricted free agent. There have also been a few national media members suggesting a reunion isn’t out of the realm of possibility. More on this coming from Chicago Hockey Now over the weekend.
Lastly, the Rockford IceHogs released their 2026-27 schedule on Thursday. The IceHogs play their opening game of the regular season against the Milwaukee Admirals on Oct. 3 at the BMO Center. Mark those calendars!
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
NHL.com: The biggest news from Thursday. The Anaheim Ducks matched the Philadelphia Flyers’ offer sheet that Leo Carlsson signed ahead of the Fourth of July weekend. Carlsson is now signed on with the Ducks for five years with an $18 million AAV, effectively making him the NHL’s highest-paid player.
Philly Hockey Now: So, what comes next for the Philadelphia Flyers after an unsuccessful but valiant effort to pry Leo Carlsson from Anaheim? William James weighs in on GM Danny Briere’s next best options.
Detroit Hockey Now: After a two-month stalemate, Dylan Larkin has expanded his three-team trade short list to include the Dallas Stars. Sadly, this doesn’t do the Detroit Red Wings many favors, as it’s difficult to project these two clubs agreeing to a trade. Neither side is willing to part with what the other seeks.
New York Times: The Carolina Hurricanes owner, Tom Dundon, made a rather selfish and arrogant decision recently, getting his entire family’s names engraved on the Stanley Cup in favor of other organizational members. Now, he’s dealing with the backlash.
Sportsnet: Former Blackhawks forward Steve Sullivan was named head coach of the AHL’s Toronto Marlies on Thursday. Sullivan replaces John Gruden, who was promoted to the NHL with the Maple Leafs after leading the Marlies to a Calder Cup Championship in June.
Daily Faceoff: Five potential trade destinations were listed for Seattle Kraken former No. 4 overall pick Shane Wright, and the Blackhawks are one of them.
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