CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Blackhawks captain Connor Bedard is on the brink of making his season debut after being sidelined by a left shoulder injury.

Bedard has been ramping up his rehab process, practicing with the team on Sunday. The center could be in the mix for one of three upcoming home games depending on the results of a follow-up medical appointment.

“Certainly inching closer to being involved in a variety of ways,” coach Jeff Blashill said.

Bedard, 21, got hurt while skating with a group of NHL players in western Canada. He had surgery on June 24.

The Blackhawks are off to a 1-5-0 start without Bedard, who led the team with 45 assists and 75 points last season. They host Pittsburgh on Tuesday, Winnipeg on Thursday and Dallas on Saturday.

Bedard agreed to a $75 million, five-year contract in July. The No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft became the second-youngest captain in the history of the Original Six franchise on Sept. 15.

“I feel good, feel confident in everything,” Bedard said. “It's nice to skate with the guys again. It's been a lot of solo skates. Just to be out there and get to be around them the whole day is nice.”

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