With the Blackhawks recently getting the Frank Nazar extension done, all the focus in Chicago land shifts to 98: their franchise player Connor Bedard.
Bedard, like Nazar, has been eligible for a new deal this summer as he enters the final season of his entry level contract. The 20 year old approaches his 3rd year in Chicago hoping to have a stronger season and breakout.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli provided the latest news on where things stand on Bedard's impending contract extension with Chicago due in the summer of 2026.
What is the latest on Bedard?
Seravalli reported to this point that the Blackhawks and Bedard have apparently not yet began contract extension talks. This supports a previous report that Seravalli made implying both the Hawks and Bedard felt content to play out this season and engage in talks next year.
This might not be the update that Hawks fans were looking for as the language feels similar to the McDavid Oilers situation, in which the contract can is getting kicked down the road. But from Bedard and his agent's side with the cap rising and coming off an underwhelming 67 point sophomore season, it makes sense for his party to delay these talks and gamble on a big year from Connor.
With the Hawks cap availability if Bedard has himself a season that many expect out of him based on his rigorous summer training routine, he will be in line for a massive payday next summer that may make the Nazar extension look like cookies by comparison.
We'll see what happens in Chicago this season as both Bedard and the Hawks have plenty to prove in what both hope will be a better year.