MAJOR: Bedard Set To Return Sooner Than Expected

Chicago Blackhawks' rookie Conor Bedard suffered an injury from a hit by New Jersey Devils defenseman Brendan Smith a few weeks ago, leading to surgery. Despite the Blackhawks' medical staff initially estimating a six to eight-week recovery period post-surgery, Bedard made a surprisingly quick return to the ice, fully geared up, last week.

In recent developments, insider Charlie Roumeliotis has revealed significant news about Bedard's return date. Contrary to earlier predictions, Roumeliotis claims Bedard is set to return earlier than expected, targeting a game against the Vancouver Canucks on February 13th. This date falls just over five weeks post-surgery, suggesting Bedard's recovery is ahead of schedule. The choice of this game is noteworthy, not only because it offers a three-day rest period between games but also due to Bedard's personal connection with the team, as he grew up as a Canucks fan.

This update has sparked excitement among fans, who are keen to see Bedard's performance upon his return. His swift recovery and potential early comeback could significantly boost his prospects for the Calder Trophy, an award for the NHL's top rookie. The anticipation surrounding Bedard's return highlights his impact and importance to both the Blackhawks and his supporters.