There was a different energy at Fifth Third Arena on Monday morning. For the first time since a frightening night in December, Connor Bedard was back on skates.

The sight of No. 98 taking reps is a massive step forward, not just for the Blackhawks’ lineup, but for the morale of a franchise that has been holding its breath since he left the ice in pain against the St. Louis Blues.

The Long Road Since December 12

With less than a second left in the game, Bedard reached for his right shoulder after a draw, his face grimacing in immediate discomfort. He headed straight down the tunnel, leaving fans and teammates fearing the worst.

“As of right now, I’m just going to try and rehab it,” Connor Bedard told Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently. “It’s feeling good, and obviously, we have good people. But that’s what I’m thinking, just rehab and start playing again.”

That decision to opt for rehab over surgery was a gamble, but seeing him back in motion suggests the bet is paying off. While General Manager Kyle Davidson has been cautious, emphasizing a “feel-based recovery” over strict medical timelines, the visual confirmation of Bedard handling pucks is undeniable progress.

What Connor Bedard Brings Back to Chicago

It’s impossible to overstate what Bedard means to this roster. Before the injury, he was finding another gear in his third NHL season, tallying a team-high 19 goals and 25 assists in just 31 games. He wasn’t just playing; he was dominating.

Since his exit, the Blackhawks have struggled to find that same spark. The offense has lacked its usual dynamism, and the power play has missed its quarterback.

“It’s a great experience for some of these guys to have to step in and play bigger roles,” Davidson noted about the team’s performance in Bedard’s absence. “Long-term, that’s going to serve them very well.”

What’s Next for Connor Bedard?

While the excitement is palpable, questions remain. The team has not yet provided a concrete timeline for his game return. Will he be ready for the next homestand? Is the upcoming Olympic roster for Milano Cortina 2026 still a possibility?

For now, those answers can wait. The headline today isn’t about timelines or rosters. It’s about the simple, beautiful fact that the kid is back on the ice.