Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard is expected to miss the start of the 2026-27 season after undergoing surgery for a shoulder injury sustained during the offseason. Multiple outlets report that Bedard has surgery dated July 8 or Wednesday and that it involves his left shoulder. Team and medical sources cited by Yahoo Sports say the team physician, Michael Terry, expects Bedard to make a full recovery in an approximate timeline of about four months. Other reports similarly describe the recovery as likely to keep him out for roughly four months and indicate he will miss at least the first part of the regular season. The Athletic reports he will miss at least the first month, while Yahoo Sports and Yahoo Sports (NHL) specify that he will miss the start of the season. The Winnipeg Free Press also frames the situation as Bedard missing the start following the shoulder procedure. No source cited here indicates a change to his long-term status beyond the stated recovery window.