Connor Bedard, the dynamic young star of the Chicago Blackhawks, is currently in no rush to finalize a contract extension, a sentiment that the franchise appears to reciprocate without concern. Both parties seem comfortable, understanding that Bedard is seen as the future face of the organization.
“We`re both comfortable with where we`re at,” Bedard explained during the NHL/NHLPA player media tour in Las Vegas. “They know I want to be there; I know they want me. So, it`s really not on my mind that much, and I just think when it happens, it`ll happen.”
The 20-year-old became eligible to sign an extension on July 1. Without a new deal, he will become a restricted free agent next summer. When questioned about potentially signing sooner to ease the minds of Blackhawks fans, Bedard gave a brief and noncommittal reply: “We`ll see.”
Currently playing on an entry-level contract with a $950,000 cap hit, the burgeoning superstar is undoubtedly set for a substantial pay raise in his forthcoming agreement.
Now entering his third season as a professional, Bedard has consistently been the Blackhawks` leading scorer in both his previous campaigns and notably won the Calder Trophy as the league`s top rookie. Despite his individual achievements, the rebuilding Chicago team has not made the playoffs for the past five consecutive seasons.
Beyond his team`s aspirations, the North Vancouver native is deeply motivated to start the new season with strong performances, aiming not only to help the Blackhawks reach the postseason but also to earn a coveted roster spot on Team Canada for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
“I would need to have a great start, kind of light it up a bit,” Bedard admitted regarding his Olympic ambitions. He also acknowledged the immense depth of talent within Canadian hockey: “There`s just so many great players in Canada. There`s going to be guys that play great and don`t make it. That`s just how deep it is… I`m trying not to think about it. Just go out and play and try to play the best I can and see what happens.”
He added that should he perform exceptionally well but still miss out on a spot, he wouldn`t take it personally, given the fierce competition. However, he concluded, “it would be special to be there, for sure.”
While Bedard and fellow young B.C. talent Macklin Celebrini were not part of Canada`s roster for the recent 4 Nations Face-Off, their invitation to an early September orientation camp indicates they are certainly on General Manager Doug Armstrong`s radar for the final Olympic selections.
The 2023 first overall draft pick believes he has matured significantly since entering the league, not only in his on-ice performance but also in developing the professionalism required to endure a full 82-game schedule.
“I think that was so great for me just to learn,” he reflected. “You have little gaps, and you find out, `How can I not have that? How can I stay consistent?` The best players in the NHL, they`re not going to be their best every game, but they`re up there most games, so that`s something that really is going to benefit me.”
With 150 career games played and 128 points accumulated, Bedard is a key leader in a youthful Blackhawks core, which includes promising talents like Frank Nazar, Kevin Korchinski, and Lukas Reichel, all striving to elevate the team to new heights.