The Blackhawks' planned step toward playoff contention in 2026-27 has already hit a massive snag. Connor Bedard, the team's best player, will be sidelined approximately four months after undergoing left shoulder surgery Wednesday. That slates Bedard to theoretically return in early to mid-November, more than a month after the start of the season Sept. 29. The Hawks' schedule will be announced July 16. Bedard suffered the injury while skating last Thursday with his usual group of Vancouver-based