Chicago Blackhawks rookie sensation Connor Bedard fractured his jaw on Friday night and has been placed on injured reserve. Bedard left in the first period of the 4-2 loss at New Jersey Devils after a hit by defenseman Brendan Smith.
He was evaluated on Saturday morning by Chicago specialists after the team returned home. Bedard, 18, leads all NHL rookies in goals (15) and points (18) in 39 games this season.
The first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft also leads rookie forwards in average ice time (19:04). He recently made history as the youngest player ever selected to the NHL All-Star Game at 18 years and 201 days, topping a record set by Buffalo Sabres winger Jeff Skinner (18 years, 259 days) in 2011.
The All-Star Game is scheduled for Feb. 3. Bedard was injured on his fourth shift of the game when he skated over the Devils' blue line during a Blackhawks' power play.