Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center on April 15, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) Connor Bedard’s entry-level deal is set to expire, and the Chicago Blackhawks are expected to begin extension talks to keep him in a Blackhawks uniform, but recent NHL events have re-ignited offer sheet speculation. The Flyers reportedly are playing to sign Leo Carlsson in Philly, and now people are wondering if another team could do the same thing.Several respected NHL insiders have dismissed that idea, citing Chicago’s financial flexibility and strong relationship with Bedard. Still, the Blackhawks’ next move is becoming one of the biggest stories of the offseason with the latest contract developments around the league.
Connor Bedard and Chicago Blackhawks NHL offer sheet speculation
With recent league-wide speculation, many prominent NHL insiders believe it’s extremely unlikely Connor Bedard will be leaving the Chicago Blackhawks via an offer sheet.Things got heated after the Philadelphia Flyers signed Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson to an offer sheet for five years and an average annual value of $18 million. The Anaheim Ducks quickly matched the contract, but the maneuver showed rival clubs are now more willing to go after elite young talent via restricted free agency.With Connor Bedard the franchise foundation for the Chicago Blackhawks, it was natural for many to wonder if another team might try the same thing.CategoryDetailsPlayerConnor BedardCurrent TeamChicago BlackhawksPositionCenterShootsRightHeight5 ft 10 in (178 cm)NationalityCanadianBirthplaceNorth Vancouver, British Columbia, CanadaAgeBorn on July 17, 2005Draft InformationSelected 1st overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.Contract StatusEntering the final year of his entry-level contract and eligible for a long-term extension.Projected Contract ValueIndustry speculation has linked Bedard to a potential contract worth around $18 million annually, though no deal has been signed.Offer Sheet EligibilityEligible to sign an offer sheet as a restricted free agent if he remains unsigned after his entry-level contract expires.Current RumorRecent NHL discussions have centered on whether another club could test the Chicago Blackhawks with a lucrative offer sheet.Insider ViewElliotte Friedman and Frank Seravalli have both indicated they do not expect Connor Bedard to receive a successful offer sheet.Why Chicago Blackhawks Are ConfidentThe organization has significant salary-cap flexibility and is widely expected to match any outside offer.Team RelationshipNHL insiders have described the relationship between Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks as strong and positive.Trigger for SpeculationThe Philadelphia Flyers’ recent $18 million AAV offer sheet to Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson reignited league-wide discussions about elite restricted free agents.Injury UpdateConnor Bedard reportedly left an offseason workout after an awkward fall on his left shoulder, though no major injury has been confirmed.Why Rival Teams Would Be InterestedBedard is regarded as one of the NHL’s premier young centers with elite offensive skill, franchise-player potential, and long-term marketability.Chicago Blackhawks’ Expected StrategyComplete a long-term extension before another NHL club has an opportunity to submit an offer sheet.Potential OutcomeLeague consensus suggests the Chicago Blackhawks would quickly match any offer sheet, making a departure highly unlikely.League-Wide ImpactConnor Bedard’s contract situation has become one of the NHL offseason’s biggest storylines, highlighting the renewed relevance of offer sheets following the Leo Carlsson negotiations.
What NHL insiders are saying about Chicago Blackhawks plans
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said recently that the relationship between Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks is still very good, and he sees little reason for contract talks to become contentious. However, he also joked that NHL teams should never discount the possibility of an unexpected offer sheet in today’s NHL.Meanwhile, Daily Faceoff insider Frank Seravalli provided an even more rock-solid take, pointing out that Chicago is one of the league’s hardest teams to pick on because it has the salary-cap freedom to match just about any deal Bedard gets offered.
How this speculation could impact Chicago Blackhawks offseason plans
League sources still expect Connor Bedard to remain a Chicago Blackhawks, but recent offer sheet activity has brought to the forefront the need to get a long-term extension done sooner rather than later.Keeping Bedard locked up would eliminate a lot of the unnecessary speculation and enhance Chicago’s long-term rebuilding plan around its franchise center. The expectation leaguewide is that the Blackhawks will hold onto their biggest star, but in the meantime, NHL trade rumors and offer sheet talk figures to be a staple of the offseason news cycle until a new deal is signed.