(Photo credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)

Chicago Blackhawks star forward Connor Bedard has been cleared to return from a 12-game absence due to an upper-body injury in Friday's game against the visiting Washington Capitals.

'I feel good,' Bedard said following the Blackhawks' morning skate. 'Obviously, it's not fun kind of waiting and not being able to play, so it's exciting.'

Bedard, 20, has been sidelined since he was hurt while taking a faceoff with one second remaining in Chicago's 3-2 loss at the St. Louis Blues on Dec. 12. He was left holding his right shoulder after being knocked over by Blues center Brayden Schenn.

'It's obviously a huge boost,' Blackhawks assistant coach Mike Vellucci said. 'He's a big part of our team and he was playing really well before he got injured. We're excited to have him back.'

Despite sitting out for nearly one month, Bedard leads Chicago in assists (25) and points (44).

Bedard has totaled 172 points (64 goals, 108 assists) in 181 career games since being selected by the Blackhawks with the top overall pick of the 2023 NHL Draft. He was named as the 2023-24 Calder Trophy winner as the league's best rookie.

--Field Level Media