The Chicago Blackhawks and Connor Bedard are working towards a new contract. There have been reports that the restricted free agent, Bedard, and the Blackhawks were working closer to a deal.
Now, the latest update may be disappointing for Blackhawks fans, according to Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.
“So far, it doesn’t sound as though the sides have made much progress. Bedard repeatedly has said he wants to stay with the Hawks for the long term, but that won’t stop his agents from negotiating for the best deal,” Pope wrote.
“Bedard’s cap hit likely will fall in the $13 million-to-$16 million range — an enormous number, but one the Hawks have budgeted for. The bigger question is whether he will sign a maximum-length eight-year deal (as many stars have in recent years) or push for a four- or five-year deal that could set him up for an even bigger payday in his prime.”
The Blackhawks are in a prime position with a group of young and improving players. Meanwhile, they have a first-round pick and three second-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft, while also having three first-rounders next year. Further, the team has $48.25 million in cap space this offseason. Beyond Bedard, the Blackhawks also have Ethan Del Mastro as a restricted free agent. They also have three unrestricted free agents.
If they re-sign everyone, they are till projected to have over $20 million in cap space to work with. The Blackhawks will have a lot of work to do to get back into contention. They finished the year 29-39-14, sitting in last in the Central Division.
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