Connor Bedard’s hot start to the season has reignited talk about his next contract, but discussions with the Chicago Blackhawks remain on hold.
The 20-year-old center has opened the campaign with six goals and eight assists in 11 games, including his first career NHL hat trick in Tuesday’s 7–3 win over the Ottawa Senators. In doing so, Bedard became the seventh player in franchise history to reach 50 goals before turning 21.
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While his play hasn’t stopped improving and is even generating Olympic buzz, negotiations over an extension of his entry-level three-year, $2.85 million contract have been shelved since the summer.
According to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, the Blackhawks approached Bedard’s camp, led by agent Greg Landry, before the season, but talks didn’t advance much.
“They spoke conceptually, which normally means there would have been some numbers thrown around,” LeBrun wrote. “But it doesn’t sound like it got too far. The result was the 2023 No. 1 pick wanting to shelve things for the moment while he focused on getting ready for this season.”
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LeBrun described the situation as a “fluid delay,” with both sides comfortable waiting until 2026 if needed.
“My understanding is neither side has pinpointed exactly how far down the road they’ve kicked the ball. It’s a fluid delay,” LeBrun wrote. “There’s no rush from the player’s perspective, and why would there be?
“If Bedard pops this season, that puts him in a better situation to negotiate the huge contract that awaits him.”
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) skates during a stoppage of play.Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
The framework of a future deal remains uncertain and could lead both sides of the negotiations to clash over its structure.
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LeBrun speculated that Chicago will push for a maximum eight-year term, while Bedard’s camp could prefer a five-year contract that allows a second big payday sooner.
“For five years, I could see something in the $10 million average-annual-value range,” LeBrun wrote. “For seven or eight years, you’re looking more at the $12 million-plus range. Bedard has all the leverage.”
The Blackhawks, off to a solid 5-4-2 start, visit the two-time defending Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers at 10 p.m. ET Saturday.
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Related: Blackahwks’ Connor Bedard Reacts to Olympic Buzz After Strong NHL Start
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.