Bedard, Blackhawks ‘are talking' new contract, GM says
Center was No. 1 pick by Chicago at 2023 NHL Draft, now eligible to re-sign
www.nhl.comConnor Bedard’s contract situation has been developing through 2025 into 2026, with reporting indicating negotiations were not yet finalized and could push into the next offseason as the Blackhawks and Bedard assess long-term terms. More recently, insiders have suggested that talks began or progressed, but no definitive extension had been announced by early 2026, as both sides weighed the evolving cap landscape and Bedard’s value after two NHL seasons.[2][5][6]
Key points to know right now:
- Status: No official extension announced yet; discussions have fluctuated between “aren’t finalized” and “beginning/ongoing,” depending on the source and date.[5][2]
- Timing: Many reports expect the major negotiations to occur in 2026, with July 1 being a common focal point for new contracts, though exact timing can vary with the CBA and team strategy.[3][2]
- Financials: Projections often hinge on cap growth and Bedard’s rising impact as a core player, with pundits debating whether a bridge deal or long-term max extension best fits both sides.[4][9][2]
If you’d like, I can pull a current, date-stamped update from reputable outlets and summarize any new contract terms or rumored figures, and I can also provide a simple timeline of the notable statements from the Blackhawks and Bedard’s camp. Would you like me to do that?