Connor Bedard is expected to return as Chicago Blackhawks host Calgary Flames while Teuvo Teravainen remains out

The Chicago Blackhawks welcome the Calgary Flames to the United Center on Thursday night as they continue a four-game homestand. The franchise expects to get its franchise centerpiece back in the lineup after a brief absence.

Connor Bedard’s absence due to a shoulder injury had already caused the franchise to slip down the rankings throughout December. But while their best player will be back, the Blackhawks will be without another key forward for at least one more game as they manage multiple injury situations.

Connor Bedard Returns After Missing Monday's Game With sudden illness

Bedard is expected to play Thursday night after missing a 4-1 loss to Edmonton on Monday with an illness. The 20-year-old center practiced on Wednesday and appears ready to return to game action. "It's what's been going around a little bit," Bedard said when discussing the illness.

He continued, "I tried to get myself up and go. I was trying to get to the game, but it didn't work out, unfortunately. It stinks to miss, obviously, but it is what it is." The young star's absence came at an unfortunate time as Chicago dropped their first game of the homestand.

The Blackhawks struggled offensively without their leading scorer and couldn't generate enough chances against Edmonton's strong defensive structure. Bedard's return provides an immediate boost to a Chicago offense that desperately needs his playmaking ability and scoring touch.

The franchise has relied heavily on its generational talent throughout the season, making his presence crucial for any success moving forward. But while the 20-year-old will help Chicago’s front line, the Blackhawks received less encouraging news about Teravainen's status.

The forward will miss Thursday's game against Calgary with an upper-body injury that forced him from Monday's contest against Edmonton. Teravainen didn't return after the first period against the Oilers, leaving Chicago shorthanded up front for the final 40 minutes.

The Finnish center remains an integral part of the Blackhawks’ top six and, in the absence of Bedard, was their top forward. To make things worse, head coach Jeff Blashill still doesn’t have a clear timeline on his recovery and when he might be back on the ice.

With the chance that Teravainen might be out even for Saturday’s game against the Bruins, Blashill might need to get creative with his forward line. An injury-prone roster has created many issues for the head coach, with Chicago struggling to hold its place.

The Blackhawks sit at 18-18-17 on the season and need to string together victories during this homestand to stay in the playoff hunt. Getting Bedard back represents a significant step toward accomplishing that goal, though losing Teravainen hurts their depth.

Puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday as Chicago looks to bounce back from Monday's disappointing loss to Edmonton.

Also Read: Connor Bedard could return as Chicago Blackhawks host Washington Capitals on Friday night


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