Connor Bedard takes a major step to a return just one week after surgery

Earlier today after the full Blackhawks team took the ice for practice, Connor Bedard was spotted taking the ice for the first time since suffering a broken jaw and having surgery to repair it.

Being back on the ice this quickly after a significant operation shows Bedard's dedication to the game and to his teammates. Of course, his injury wouldn't impede him from keeping his legs fresh, and that bodes well for Bedard making a return as soon as possible.

It's the first significant step for Bedard to fully recover from this injury and get back to the Hawks this season, potentially in time to lock down the Calder Trophy, and help his team that's already been severely depleted by injuries. With 15 goals and 33 points in 39 games this season on a notoriously poor offensive team, Bedard has largely met the expectations of a rookie phenom - and the hockey world would love to see him make a return.