Overview
- Blashill told reporters Wednesday that Bedard "isn't close" to joining Blackhawks practice, signaling he will not be ready for the Sept. 29 season opener in Las Vegas.
- Bedard had shoulder surgery in early July and was given a roughly four-month recovery window that points to a return in early November.
- With Bedard sidelined, the Blackhawks plan to elevate Frank Nazar to the top-center role and turn to prospect Anton Frondell and other depth pieces to cover minutes.
- Veteran winger Jordan Greenway is day-to-day with a lower-body issue and will be monitored ahead of Opening Night.
- A separate preseason incident left Maveric Lamoureux with an apparent arm or shoulder injury that the team expects will cost him time, adding short-term depth concerns for the club.