NEWARK, N.J. — Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard left Friday night's game against the New Jersey Devils after receiving an open-ice hit from defenceman Brendan Smith.
The Blackhawks announced Bedard would not return.
With the puck on his stick midway through the first period, Bedard skated into the Devils' zone before Smith stepped up and appeared to catch the rookie centre's mouth with a big hit.
Bedard fell to the ice and held his face as he skated to the bench before heading to the dressing room.
Nick Foligno, Brett Seney and several Chicago teammates ignited a skirmish behind the Devils net after the play.
The 18-year-old Bedard from North Vancouver, B.C. — the No. 1 overall pick in last year's NHL draft — has lived up to expectations so far this season by leading all rookies in goals (15), assists (18) and points (33) through 38 games.
Bedard was selected as Chicago's representative at the NHL's all-star weekend in Toronto from Feb. 1-3. He leads the Blackhawks in scoring.
After the all-star departed, there was a series of skirmishes between the two teams.
Blackhawks defenceman Jarred Tinordi had words with Smith as the teams were skating off the ice after the first.
Foligno and Smith had a prolonged bout early in the second period. Blackhawks defenceman Alex Vlasic also fought with Devils forward Nathan Bastian as part of a general on-ice fracas with most of the crowd at Prudential Center to its feet.
At one point, there were four Blackhawks and three Devils in their respective penalty boxes.
— With files from The Associated Press
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 5, 2024.
The Canadian Press
