The Chicago Blackhawks have not had Connor Bedard in the lineup all season. He suffered a shoulder injury in the offseason that has kept him out of the lineup to this point. The new Blackhawks captain was expected to miss about a month of the season. However, this may not be the case.

Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill spoke to the media on Monday. He was asked about Bedard's availability for Tuesday's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. If everything goes well, Chicago's captain should take the ice against Sidney Crosby and his teammates.

“We've got skate in the morning, but certainly trending toward looking like he's got the possibility of playing,” Blashill said, via NHL.com.

Bedard also spoke to the media on Monday. He mentioned that he is looking forward to taking the ice. He feels good and hopes to have the chance to return to play soon.

“It feels good, I feel normal,” Bedard said. “I think everyone's comfortable with everything, contact, battles. I'm excited to keep building and get going here.”

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The Blackhawks have not had the cleanest start to the 2026-27 season. Chicago is currently among the worst teams in the Western Conference. They are 1-5-0 in the early going of the season. Only the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames are worse off in terms of wins in the Western Conference.

Adding Bedard to this lineup will be a massive gain for the Blackhawks. If he's healthy, it appears his return to the ice is upon us. The Blackhawks take on the Penguins on Tuesday night at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.