Canadiens receive unexpected news as Connor Bedard sidelined ahead of Bell Centre visit

Connor Bedard will miss the rest of the month of December with the Chicago Blackhawks. The center suffered an upper-body injury on Friday, then was placed on the injured list on Monday.

Bedard will be out at least until early January, the next time he'll be re-evaluated for his upper-body injury.

For Montreal Canadiens fans, this is the kind of news that takes the wind out of the sails. Many had a game against Chicago circled on the calendar, especially when a superstar comes to town. When you pay for a ticket to see a name like that, you want to see him jump onto the ice.

The scene was brutal in the loss against the St. Louis Blues, in the final second. Bedard was injured on a faceoff and appeared to be in pain while holding his right arm.

He left the ice immediately, and Blashill had already ruled him out for the following game against the Detroit Red Wings.

The hardest part is that Bedard was in the middle of building a monster month. At 20 years old, he is having an excellent season.

Chicago also confirmed that he will not need surgery, which at least removes one layer of concern. His name was already being mentioned for Team Canada ahead of the Winter Olympics.

In Montreal, the story is simple: people are waiting for the next chance to see him in person, with red jerseys in the stands and the atmosphere of the Bell Centre.

Even if the Blackhawks remain an attraction, the absence of number 98 takes away a good part of the show. Let's say it like it is: it's disappointing, period.

All that can be hoped for is a healthy return, without setbacks, and a Bedard ready to pick up where he left off.

Montreal Canadiens fans love hockey, and hockey is always better when the best players are on the ice.