CHN Daily: Bedard Progressing; Blackhawks Lines; Flyers Remain Winless

October 12, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

The White Sox fell in a do-or-die Game 5 to the Cleveland Indians. The Bears’ defense and Tyson Bagent both played horrendous in a lopsided loss to the bitter rival Green Bay Packers. And of course, the Chicago Blackhawks sans Frank Nazar were no match for the Carolina Hurricanes.

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Not the best weekend for Chicago Sports.

Maybe the only positive news from the weekend is that two of the city’s biggest stars are getting closer to their respective returns. Caleb Williams could be back for the Bears next weekend, and Connor Bedard has taken another step in his rehab and hasn’t been ruled out for Tuesday’s game against… the Pittsburgh Penguins, and his childhood idol, Sidney Crosby.

More in the links for the latest news on the Blackhawks’ captain.

Also in Blackhawks news, Bedard and Nazar’s returns could put another fellow young forward in a peculiar position.

Around the league, Alexander Ovechkin scored his first goal of the season, the Philadelphia Flyers heard it from their fans after another loss, and the latest interest in Calgary Flames’ forward Connor Zary.

All that & more in the Daily!

Blackhawks Preseason, News & Trade Rumors

Chicago Hockey Now: Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar spoke with the media for the first time Saturday after the NHL suspended him for two games for his hit on New York Islanders’ captain Bo Horvat. Nazar defended himself and offered his breakdown of the sequence, while also adding that he texted Horvat to see if he’s alright.

More CHN: Without Nazar, the Blackhawks were no match for the reigning Stanley Cup champions. The Hurricanes cruised to a 5-2 win, as their usual constant puck pressure and high-volume offense was in full effect.

On the bright side, the Blackhawks received some much-needed positive news at Sunday’s practice, as captain Connor Bedard shed the non-contact sweater and was cleared to take some contact for the first time.

Sounds like Connor Bedard has been cleared for some practice contact, but not a full go just yet. pic.twitter.com/t7CKtsr1SD
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) October 11, 2026

After practice, Bedard said he’s feeling normal again and back to his usual self in terms of shooting and handling the puck. He wants to play as soon as possible, but recognizes he still must be safe. Bedard remains without an official date to return, but it feels like it’s coming soon.

Head coach Jeff Blashill said Bedard has another doctors appointment scheduled for this week. Once the team gathers the results from that appointment, they will have a better indication of when Bedard’s season debut will occur. Blashill didn’t say what day that will happen, but he didn’t rule the Blackhawks’ captain out for Tuesday’s game against Pittsburgh.

Chicago head coach Jeff Blashill said Connor Bedard has a doctor's appointment this coming week. Once that happens, they'll get a better sense for a possible return date.

When asked if Tuesday vs. Pittsburgh is a possibility, he replied: "I don't want to say until I know more…

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) October 11, 2026

Whenever Bedard returns, it appears that Nick Lardis could find himself in healthy-scratch territory, which isn’t too surprising. Assuming Nazar replaces Toninato after serving his suspension, the latest set of line combinations from Sunday’s practice had Lardis as the 13th forward.

Lardis received a vital opportunity to play with Patrick Kane on the top line against the Hurricanes but wasn’t very noticeable once again. He hasn’t made much of an offensive impact this season, and his defense hasn’t been good, either. Lardis’ NHL roster spot could be in jeoopardy, considering he’s still waivers exempt.

Bedard back in his top-line center spot with Kane & Kantserov.

Teuvo is back with Frondell & Kantserov.

Smith-Greene-Greenway trio reunited.

Lardis the odd man out. Can’t say that’s too surprising…#Blackhawks https://t.co/uS8qg6g6or

— Jack Bushman (@JackBushman2) October 11, 2026

NHL Rumors, News, & National Hockey Now

TSN: Well, at least the Blackhawks have a win. The Philadelphia Flyers do not, as they lost a franchise-record seventh game in a row to begin the 2026-27 season on Sunday, falling 4-1 to the Carolina Hurricanes. To make matters worse, the fans that stuck around for another loss chanted “FIRE TOCCHET” as the team left the ice.

Seattle Times: Alexander Ovechkin found the back of the net for the first time this season, and for the 930th time in his Hall of Fame career, but the Seattle Kraken got the last laugh in a 5-3 win. Jared McCann’s late tally help the Kraken squeak by the Washington Capitals.

Sportsnet: NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the Vancouver Canucks recently kicked the tires on Calgary Flames winger Connor Zary. However, the Flames don’t want to use their final retention slot on Zary, which complicates matters for other NHL clubs. Zary remains with the Flames AHL club.

Forever Blueshirts: From bad to worse for the New York Rangers‘ goaltending group. Igor Shesterkin has been ruled out for the season, and now his backup, Joonas Korpisalo, is expected to be sidelined for at least one month. Dylan Garand is who the Rangers will lean on without their top two netminders.

Detroit Hockey Now: Off the ice, it’s been a disaster. On the ice, the Detroit Red Wings haven’t been much better. Where does Detroit go from here? Max Smith offers one prediction, based on a recent trend.

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