Chicago Blackhawks Rework Lineup After Bedard Injury Hits Roster

Chicago Blackhawks are scrambling to replace Connor Bedard, who underwent shoulder surgery and will miss roughly four months, starting the 2026‑27 season without their top scorer.

How will the Blackhawks line up without Bedard?

The coaching staff is likely to push Frank Nazar and Anton Frondell into regular centre duties while Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen and Ryan Donato anchor the first two lines. A projected second‑line unit could read Bertuzzi – Nazar – Kantserov, while the third line may feature Teravainen – Frondell – Lardis. Veteran Jordan Greenway and Cole Smith are expected to fill a more physical fourth line, giving the team a gritty edge that has been missing.

Which players could break out?

With Bedard out, younger forwards like Nick Lardis and Roman Kantserov get a chance to prove they belong on the ice every shift. Landon Slaggert appears in the projection, but AJ Spellacy or Sacha Boisvert could leapfrog him if they shine in camp. On defence, Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel are slated to make the roster, while Bowen Byram and Ian Cole add depth. Their presence may allow Jeff Blashill to experiment with a seven‑defence rotation, a tactic that helped the club last season.

What does the current standing mean for the rebuild?

The Blackhawks sit 15th in the Western Conference with a 29‑39 record and are riding a one‑game winning streak. That position underscores the urgency of finding secondary scoring while Bedard recovers. Free agents like Patrick Kane and Anthony Mantha remain on the radar, and a trade for a player such as Shane Wright could provide a needed boost.

When is the next test for the re‑shaped roster?

Chicago’s first test comes on September 20, 2026, when the Blackhawks face the Minnesota Wild. The matchup will be the first real look at how the new lines gel under game pressure and whether the physical fourth line can help the club climb out of the 15th‑place spot.

What should fans expect when Bedard returns?

Bedard is slated to rejoin the lineup in mid‑November, likely after the team has played 10‑15 games. By then, the Blackhawks hope the younger players have built confidence and the veterans have solidified chemistry. When he steps back onto the ice, the expectation is a smoother transition into a line‑up that’s already found some rhythm.

How can the coaching staff keep momentum?

Blashill may continue to rotate seven defencemen and eleven forwards, a strategy that spreads ice time and keeps players fresh. Keeping the physicality of Greenway and Smith while integrating the emerging talent could keep the club competitive despite the early‑season setbacks.