NHL fans had mixed reactions after the Chicago Blackhawks shared a new update on Connor Bedard’s injury. The announcement came on Monday and soon raised concern. Chicago confirmed Bedard was placed on injured reserve while recalling Ethan Del Mastro and Laurent Brossoit from Rockford. The move signaled that the team is preparing for a time without its top star.Shortly after, Elliotte Friedman added more detail to the announcement, clarifying that Bedard was not placed on long-term injured reserve."This is not LTIR...it is the minimum 7-day version Barring a full update on Bedard, he cannot play until at least Saturday," Friedman said on X.That distinction eased some early worry but still left questions unanswered. Fans reacted online, searching for positives in the update. "So is this a good sign?" One fan asked.BlackhawksPug @HawksFan8898LINK@FriedgeHNIC So is this a good sign?"This update actually sounds more precaution than panic, which is a small relief in a scary moment 😮‍💨🟥," another fan said.Zeel @Z33l0LINK@FriedgeHNIC This update actually sounds more precaution than panic, which is a small relief in a scary moment 😮‍💨🟥"Blackhawks don't need LTIR though. This is irrelevant to how long he might be out," one fan wrote.Here are some more reactions to Bedard's update:"Brought up Brossoit to replace the goal-scoring," a fan wrote."As a person who has dislocated his shoulder multiple times and watched countless athletes go through same thing, he's in the "I'll put surgery off until offseason" stage of denial. Get the surgery...this will keep happening." one fan pointed."Team Canada does not need quitters. Man up." A fan said, pointing to Bedard's potential Team Canada inclusion for 2026 Olympics in Italy.Update on Connor Bedard's potential surgery on MondayMore clarity followed later in the day, as reports confirmed Connor Bedard will not need surgery. He is expected to miss time until the calendar turns to 2026. While that timeline sounds heavy, it suggests the Blackhawks are choosing caution over risk.Ben Pope wrote on X,"Connor Bedard will be re-evaluated after the New Year, Blashill says. It’s an upper-body injury. This is “what was expected.”"Pope followed it with another update, writing,"No surgery required at this time, Blashill added later."From a hockey standpoint, Chicago must adjust. Frank Nazar is expected to step into a first-line center role, with Jason Dickinson also an option. The Blackhawks will need structure and patience while Bedard recovers.So far, Bedard has delivered an outstanding 2025-26 season, scoring 19 goals and having 25 assists for 44 points in 31 appearances. Bedard ranks among the league’s top scorers and was driving Chicago’s offense before his injury.However, Connor Bedard is still expected to be available for Canada’s Olympic plans in February.