Chicago Blackhawks deliver Connor Bedard a new linemate as Andre Burakovsky’s replacement has been named

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Sam Walker
January 19, 2026  (2:22 PM)

Photo credit: Terrence Lee-Imagn Images

The Chicago Blackhawks have given Connor Bedard a new linemate ahead of their match against the Winnipeg Jets on Monday, which also sees a familiar face, Jonathan Toews, returning to the United Center.

At Monday’s morning skate, Burakovsky wasn’t on the ice, and head coach Jeff Blashill deemed Burakovsky a game-time decision due to an illness and a family matter.Colton Dach took those reps on Bedard’s right side with Ryan Greene in the middle.

The rest of the forward group snapped into a new shape, with Ryan Donato skating with Oliver Moore and Nick Lardis, then Tyler Bertuzzi staying with Jason Dickinson and Ilya Mikheyev.

The fourth line minutes looked like Sam Lafferty with Nick Foligno and Landon Slaggert, which keeps the bottom six a safe possession line.

Colton Dach fills Andre Burakovsky’s top-line role with Connor Bedard Monday

The good news is Dach plays a heavier game, so Bedard might actually get more pucks back after the first touch.

The 23-year-old Dach has nine points this season, and he’s mostly lived in a checking role while learning the pace.

Burakovsky is tougher to replace than fans admit; he’s a clean entry guy who can one-touch a pass into the slot and has settled down this young Blackhawks group.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider