The Chicago Blackhawks are trying to overcome a bit of a slump. They have lost three of their last four games. And they are engaged in a fierce battle for one of the Western Conference Wild Card spots. Unfortunately, the Blackhawks will also be without superstar Connor Bedard as they try to pick up some wins.

Bedard appeared to injure his shoulder on Friday against the St. Louis Blues. The injury came at the end of the contest, which the Blues won 3-2. The Blackhawks star grabbed at his shoulder and immediately skated toward his bench and down the tunnel.

After the game, head coach Jeff Blashill delivered an unfortunate update. “Postgame tonight, CHI coach Jeff Blashill said Bedard won’t play Saturday…update likely Monday. Called it a ‘freak accident,'” Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported.

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Losing Bedard even for a game is a tough pill to swallow. The former first-overall pick leads Chicago skaters with 19 goals and 44 points through 31 games. He is tied with San Jose Sharks star Macklin Celebrini for fourth in the league for points. If Chicago is without Bedard for an extended period, it could be disastrous.

The Blackhawks are one point back of the Sharks for the final Wild Card spot in the West. They are only two points back of the Edmonton Oilers for the top Wild Card spot. Edmonton traded for Tristan Jarry in a blockbuster trade, though, which could complicate Chicago's chase.

For now, the immediate focus is not on the postseason race. Chicago wants to make sure its franchise cornerstone is not dealing with a serious injury. Hopefully, he can return to the ice sooner rather than later with no complications.