Bo's a Dad: Byram's Twins, Bedard's Return, and a New Look Blue Line

Blackhawks defenseman Bowen Byram confirmed his wife gave birth to twin girls on Saturday afternoon. Byram was in Buffalo with the Hawks when he got the call around 5:30 AM on Saturday that it was time.

He said he was thankful for being able to be home for the birth because family comes first. Byram was back on the ice in Chicago on Monday as the team prepared for its home opener, likely running on very little sleep and a whole lot of joy.

BEDARD SKATES WITH TEAM

Connor Bedard, who skated on his own before the rest of the team, stayed on and went through some reps with his teammates for the first time on Monday at the Blackhawks Ice Center.

He continues to look good, but he also continues to be not cleared for contact.

Head coach Jeff Blashill said he does not have an updated timeline and doesn’t know when Bedard’s next check-up is with the doctors. There is no confirmed return date and no confirmed date for that next evaluation.

The sight of Bedard working with the group drew plenty of attention, and the Blackhawks are clearly eager to have their star center back in the lineup. But the organization is holding the line on patience until he is fully ready.

KANE ON BEDARD

Patrick Kane made it clear the Blackhawks are eager to get Connor Bedard back — but not at the expense of the star center's long-term health.

"Looks like he's skating well and moving well and shooting well and all this stuff with the upper body. So looks good to me," Kane said.