As we move further into the Chicago Blackhawks offseason, a massive extension looms for superstar Connor Bedard. The 2023 first-overall draft pick just capped off his third season in the league, the final of his entry-level contract. In his short tenure with the Blackhawks, he has been the most productive Hawks’ forward, meaning his pending extension will be one of the biggest in franchise history.

Credit Image: © Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune via ZUMA Press Wire

General manager Kyle Davidson, fresh off a contract extension himself, has to secure the franchise superstar to get this team back into contention. Let’s look back on Bedard’s time in Chicago and what makes this extension the single most important piece of business of the 0ffseason, and maybe even of Davidson’s tenure thus far.

Connor Bedard Extension to Define Status of Blackhawks’ Rebuild

Much of the discourse around the Blackhawks’ rebuild since Bedard was drafted has followed patterns similar to his on-ice production. There was initial excitement, which was followed by some questions in his second season. However, much of that shifted towards a positive excitement this past season.

2025-26: A Season Marked by Excitement

Heading into the 2025-26 campaign, there was reason to be excited. Bedard was entering his third season after a productive and focused offseason, while Frank Nazar and Artyom Levshunov continued to see extended time in the lineup. However, no one expected the results that Bedard and the team delivered early in the season. Through the first 31 games of the season, the team had a 13-12-6 record and sat just three points out of a Stanley Cup Playoff position. All seemed well until Bedard’s injury sidelined him for the next 13 games. The team faltered, and the Hawks’ playoff chances diminished.

Despite the periods of exciting play, Bedard was one of the lone Hawks’ players who put together consistent point-producing efforts. He finished his first 30-goal campaign and earned 75 points, while also leading the Hawks in shots by over 60. In many instances, Bedard dragged the Hawks into the fight, including a March 12th showdown against the Utah Mammoth. Bedard had a goal and an assist in a 3-2 overtime victory. What this game, along with many others, showed was that the competitive character of the young leadership group had developed. While the results were not there on some nights, their effort was. With all of that laid out, let’s dive into why Davidson needs to capitalize on it right away.

“we want to win here”

head to our YouTube channel to watch Connor’s full end of season media 📺 https://t.co/tAfiWco6Wl pic.twitter.com/q3OEr9UNvP

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 16, 2026

 

Kyle Davidson Needs to Cement Connor Bedard in Chicago

Since the Hawks struggled to get wins down the stretch, a bit of unease has settled among fans about Bedard’s future. What has made fans especially nervous is the trend of other star players signing short-term deals, rather than committing to the long haul. However, Bedard’s exit interview at the end of the season has reassured the organization of his commitment to the process.

When asked point-blank if he wished to get an extension done as soon as possible, he did not rush the process. “I know I want to be here, and I think we’ll get it done soon,” Bedard stated. “I don’t think if it’s not done in a month, there’s no worry or anything. It’ll just get done when it gets done.” While refreshing to hear, the sense of urgency should still linger for management.

After all, the players themselves want to win. When asked about signing one of the aforementioned short-term deals to evaluate where the team is at, the superstar affirmed the locker room’s desire to get wins soon. “I talk about wanting to win. We all want to win,” Bedard noted. “I want to win here for as long as I’m playing. But at the end of the day, I have so much faith in the management, the coaching and also our players.” 

Bedard Extension Would Mark Transition to New Chapter of Blackhawks Hockey

The other key anecdote from Bedard was the tight-knit relationship between the players in the locker room. “I would go to bat for any single guy in that room and argue that they’re going to reach their full potential just because of the mindset and work ethic that we have in our group,” Bedard said. “I couldn’t be more confident that we are going to get where we want to get to.” That piece is what makes Bedard’s extension so vital. As the next potential captain, signing his name next to an eight-year contract affirms everything that he just highlighted.

For Kyle Davidson, the Blackhawks rebuild has to turn the corner and push for the playoffs. The emergence of players like Anton Frondell and Ryan Greene certainly helps, but Bedard is still the main catalyst for any Chicago success. Davidson inking the star would signify the team entering a new competitive window. Time will tell what happens at the draft and in free agency, but the clock has started to tick for a Connor Bedard extension and a playoff berth next season.

Main Photo Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images