{"id":395346,"date":"2026-01-07T10:45:50","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T10:45:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/395346\/"},"modified":"2026-01-07T10:45:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T10:45:50","slug":"blackhawks-notebook-connor-bedard-skates-in-non-contact-jersey-as-return-nears","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/395346\/","title":{"rendered":"Blackhawks Notebook: Connor Bedard Skates in Non-Contact Jersey as Return Nears"},"content":{"rendered":"

Connor Bedard practiced in a non-contact jersey Tuesday as the Blackhawks held lines, Frondell won WJC gold, and Bob Pulford passed away.<\/p>\n

Connor Bedard joined the Chicago Blackhawks for practice this morning, wearing a non-contact jersey. As Bedard\u2019s return nears, there are a few news items to address for your Tuesday afternoon. Be sure to check out our midseason check-in with the Blackhawks<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Morning Skate Lines<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Head coach Jeff Blashill is keeping the same lineup. I\u2019ve said it once, and I\u2019ll say it again. Even though I don\u2019t agree with every lineup decision, I greatly appreciate the consistency in the lineup. Especially compared to recent years. <\/p>\n

There\u2019s not much to work with the current forward core, but I\u2019d like to see Artyom Levshunov play with Alex Vlasic. Ethan Del Mastro also appears to remain a healthy scratch.<\/p>\n

\"DecDec 4, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) has a shot defended by Los Angeles Kings left wing Warren Foegele (37) during the first period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Story continues below.<\/p>\n

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Connor Bedard\u2019s Return Nears<\/p>\n

Both Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar skated together before the Hawks began practice, according to Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times. Bedard practiced with the team in a non-contact jersey, signalling a near return. Nazar did not practice<\/a> with the team. No definitive timeline has been given for Bedard other than Blashill saying they\u2019ll take it day by day, per Ben Pope<\/a>. Also, according to Pope, Bedard was told he was an injury replacement for Team Canada in the upcoming Winter Olympics. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Anton Frondell Wins Gold<\/p>\n

Team Sweden won their third gold medal<\/a> following a 4-2 victory over Team Czechia in the 2026 IIHF World Juniors. Anton Frondell of Team Sweden has generated a lot of excitement in the Blackhawks fanbase. The 2025 third overall pick had an excellent tournament with three goals and eight points. Vaclav Nestrasil, another Blackhawk first-round pick in 2025, had highlight moments during the tournament with Team Czechia. Nestrasil finished with two goals, eight points, and a silver medal. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Bob Pulford Passes Away At 89<\/p>\n

Former Blackhawks GM and head coach Bob Pulford passed away at 89 years old on January 5. Pulford won four Stanley Cups as an important member of the Toronto Maple Leafs and was a central figure in Blackhawks history. He joined the Blackhawks organization in 1977 and spent the next 30 years operating within the west side hockey club in some capacity. Pulford coached the Blackhawks on four occasions (1977-79, 1981-82, 1984-87, and 1999-2000) and was the GM on four occasions (1977-1990, 1992-1997, 1999-2000, and 2003-2005). Bob Pulford was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991. <\/p>\n