Connor Bedard could make his Chicago Blackhawks return against the Pittsburgh Penguins

This week started with the positive news that Chicago Blackhawks rookie phenom Connor Bedard could return to the ice as soon as next week.

Head coach Luke Richardson told the local media that Bedard could make his return from a fractured jaw that has had him on injured reserve since early January.

Richardson did not rule out Bedard making his comeback on Sunday, February 25th against the Detroit Red Wings. That would be a huge game for him to get back on the ice as Patrick Kane will make his return to the United Center and Chris Chelios will have his Hawks' No. 7 retired.

Now there is a chance Bedard will return for another big game.

Sportsnet's NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports that there is a possibility Bedard makes his return tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

NBC Sports Chicago's Blackhawks Insider Charlie Roumeliotis reports that Bedard had a scan today on his jaw with the hope of making a return.

The team has been terrible since Bedard went down.

The Blackhawks have picked up just seven points in the standings with Bedard out of the lineup. That is three victories and an overtime loss in 14 games without Connor on the ice for those needing an official breakdown.

In addition, the Hawks have been shut out in four of those games. The Blackhawks have had seven games where they have scored just two goals or less. Speaking of seven, the Hawks are in the middle of a seven-game losing skid.

Getting Bedard back, even without an official contact practice under his belt, would give a boost to an offense that is desperate for scoring.

To show how deficient the offense has been, Bedard is still leading the team in scoring with 33 points. He has missed 14 games, and he is still second on the team in goals and assists.

Having Bedard back also gives this game against the Penguins some extra star power.

Sidney Crosby comes to town. The hockey legend has 28 goals and 24 assists on the season.

When these two teams first met to start the season, it was a ratings bonanza. People tuned in to see if Bedard was worth the hype and face off against his childhood hero.

If Connor makes his return tonight, there would be an added draw of him making his surprise return to the ice. The original timeline was Bedard coming back six to eight weeks from the initial injury. Next week would have been the start of the sixth week. This would be a welcome surprise. Add in Bedard getting a rematch against Sir Sid, and you got a major attraction.