Hawks’ Bedard closer to return after full-contact practice

Blackhawks captain Connor Bedard practiced in a regular jersey Sunday, indicating his return to the lineup might be closer than expected.

Bedard had been in a black noncontact sweater since returning to practice Oct. 5, and he took faceoffs for the first time Saturday since undergoing shoulder surgery in July.

He participated in light contact drills Sunday. While he didn’t appear ready yet for a full game’s worth of hits, it was another step toward his season debut.

Coach Jeff Blashill said Bedard has an upcoming doctor’s appointment that will determine his return timetable. Blashill didn’t rule out Bedard from playing Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

“A very young team gets their top player back like that, it’s a big deal for any team,” Blashill said. “There’s zero doubt that with him in the lineup, we’re a way better team.”

Bedard injured his left shoulder in early July when he fell into the boards during an informal offseason practice, and he had surgery shortly after. The original recovery timeline was four months, which would have set him up for an early November return.

He said Sunday that he feels good and wants to come back as soon as he’s able.

“Everyone was confident with the contact aspect and getting in a full skate and that unpredictability of what’s going to happen out there,” Bedard said. “I feel really confident in it, and I think they do as well to let me do that. Just hope to keep getting that exposure and obviously want to play as soon as possible.”

The Hawks have struggled on both ends of the ice in Bedard’s absence. They’re 1-5-0 after Saturday’s drubbing by the Carolina Hurricanes, but their next six games are at the United Center.