Good morning, Chicago.

Star center and captain Connor Bedard joined the Blackhawks lineup last night to make his 2026-27 debut after being activated from the injured non-roster list earlier in the day. The Hawks won 5-3.

Bedard, 21, returned weeks ahead of schedule after initially receiving a four-month recovery timeline when he underwent left shoulder surgery in early July. He was injured when he fell into the boards during an unofficial practice in British Columbia.

Asked about making his season debut, Bedard said, "Yeah, I’m pumped."

"It's crazy it's only been six games," Bedard said. "When you miss camp and you miss preseason, (it) feels a lot longer. Just to be back with the guys and get to do what I love, it's exciting."

Despite the early return, he said he has no concerns about his shoulder.

"If I did, I wouldn't be going," Bedard said. "(I'll) go out there and play normal and play free. If I was hesitant, then I wouldn't want to come back."

Bedard scored his first point of the season with a first-period assist. He finished with three shots on goal, six shot attempts, 21 minutes, 6 seconds of ice time and even a hit with his left shoulder on Pittsburgh center Connor Dewer in an early shift.