Chicago Blackhawks rookie star Connor Bedard will be out of the lineup six-to-eight weeks after undergoing surgery to repair his broken jaw, the NHL club announced Wednesday.
Bedard sustained the injury Friday in a 4-2 loss at New Jersey.
The first-overall pick at the 2023 NHL draft was having an excellent rookie season before the injury.
The 18-year-old from North Vancouver, B.C., leads both the Blackhawks and rookies with 15 goals, 18 assists and 33 points.
He was named the NHL’s rookie of the month in November and December.
The Blackhawks face the league-leading Jets in Winnipeg on Thursday.
