The Chicago Blackhawks are entering a pivotal offseason in which they have a nice chunk of cap room and plenty of assets to swing some trades, but the most critical part of their future is centered around Connor Bedard.
Bedard just completed his third NHL campaign and is now a restricted free agent, and while the Blackhawks can match any offer made to the young center, Chicago cannot ignore this elephant in the room.
The 20-year-old racked up 30 goals and 45 assists this past season and was the driving force behind the Blackhawks improving from 61 points to 72 points between the last two years, so why should general manager Kyle Davidson hesitate in securing Bedard’s contract?
Tyler Yaremchuk of Daily Faceoff thinks the Blackhawks should act now, not only to get Bedard locked up, but so they can get a better understanding of their future, as well.
Chicago Blackhawks urged to extend Connor Bedard now
Mar 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) looks to pass the puck against the Nashville Predators during the third period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Bedard has insisted that he isn’t really thinking about what his long-term deal could look like, but that is probably just diplomacy on his part.
There is no question that the former No. 1 overall pick has a chance to become the highest-paid player in the league, and Chicago obviously knows that, too. The last thing the Blackhawks need is a disgruntled Bedard, and Yaremchuk explained the situation very well.
“This summer, they have $40 million in cap space. They’re projected to have north of $80 million the following summer,” Yaremchuk said. “If it costs you [$16-18 million], I just think you need to go and get Connor Bedard locked up for the full max term, just to get that cost certainty so you can build around him and know exactly how much you have to spend in each of the next few summers.”
Yaremchuk makes a terrific point. Chicago has missed the playoffs six years in a row, its longest drought since 1952. The Blackhawks absolutely cannot screw this up. Not just in terms of Bedard individually, but also regarding their overall financial situation.
If Chicago acts quickly and signs Bedard to a lucrative extension now, it would keep its star player happy while also giving the Blackhawks a blueprint on how they can attack the rest of the roster.
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