Whether Vancouver Canucks fans want to hear it or not, Connor Bedard is going to sign a contract extension with the Chicago Blackhawks. It’s only a matter of when it’s going to happen and what the deal will look like.
Bedard has been outspoken several times during his young career about his desire to remain with the Blackhawks for the long haul, and he reiterated that sentiment during the first day of training camp on Thursday.
“I’ve said it a bunch, it hasn’t been [like] a ruthless anything,” Bedard said with a laugh about his negotiations thus far with the Blackhawks. “It’s just like a couple chats. It’s all pretty chill. We have a good relationship. It’s not something that keeps me up at night or ever really think of, to be honest.”
Bedard’s calm demeanor regarding his next contract hasn’t been reciprocated by all Chicago Blackhawks fans, as there will be folks who are concerned about it until the contract gets signed. But the 20-year-old forward sure seems committed to Chicago, and he says he’s willing to sign during or after the regular season. I’m expecting the latter to occur.
Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson also had his first media session of the new season on Thursday, and he sang the same tune as Bedard regarding the matter.
“It’s nothing we’re actively working on right now, but Connor’s mentioned it and I’ll say it. I have zero concern about where that’s headed. He wants to be here for a long time, we want him to be here for a long time, we’re going to make that happen.”
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Bedard and the rest of the Blackhawks were on the ice at Fifth Third Arena on Thursday morning for the first day of training camp. While everything that happened needs to be taken with a grain of salt, Blashill rolled out some line combinations for the first time.
Skating with Bedard on the top line was Ryan Donato and newcomer Andre Burakovsky. Donato was always the most likely candidate to get a first look with Bedard, considering the success the duo found together last year. The other wing spot was the real mystery, and it seems Burakovsky is the team’s current choice. FWIW, I thought Burakovsky looked sharp on Thursday, moving rather swiftly for a player of his size. We’ll see if Blashill sticks with that trio for the Blackhawks’ preseason opener next Tuesday against Detroit.
While we’re on the topic of Bedard, here’s a clip of an incredible move he made that led to a goal during Thursday’s practice.
High-end prospects like Sam Rinzel, Frank Nazar, Artyom Levshunov, and Oliver Moore not only provide much more intrigue and upside to the camp roster, but they also bring loads of speed to the table. After being one of the oldest and slowest teams in the NHL to open last year, that’s going to flip in 2025-26. Both the forward group and defensemen are littered with strong skaters, which gives the Blackhawks much more potential.
Bedard shared his excitement on Thursday about the amount of fast-paced skaters on the roster.
“We can fly. We have some of the fastest guys in the league… you got to play to your strengths, and our biggest strength is our skating. We’re young. We’re energetic. We’re going to hound teams and make it tough on them.”
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