Chicago Blackhawks planning for a long-term extension for Connor Bedard ahead of his restricted free agent status

The Chicago Blackhawks are expected to sign forward Connor Bedard to a long-term extension ahead of his restricted free agency. Reports suggest the deal could be announced soon as their top offseason priority before the young center approaches restricted free agency.

According to a report from Daily Faceoff, NHL analysts believe Chicago should move aggressively to secure Bedard on a maximum-term deal rather than risk a shorter “bridge” contract that could become significantly more expensive as the NHL salary cap rises in the coming years

According to Puckpedia, Connor Bedard is signed to a 3-year, $2.85 million contract with a $950,000 cap hit per season, playing for the Chicago Blackhawks. His contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, making Bedard a Restricted Free Agent.

Chicago Blackhawks are expected to sign forward Connor Bedard to a long-term extension during the NHL offseason

The Chicago Blackhawks are widely expected to sign forward Connor Bedard to a long-term extension during the NHL offseason as the organization continues building around its young superstar.

Bedard, who becomes eligible for a new contract this summer before entering restricted free agency, is viewed as the centerpiece of Chicago’s rebuild and one of the NHL’s brightest young talents. League insiders and analysts believe the Blackhawks will prioritize securing the 20-year-old center to a massive multi-year extension before the start of next season.


Even, Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson recently acknowledged that extending Bedard is one of the organization’s top priorities heading into the offseason.

This season, Bedard had career highs in points (75), goals (30), and assists) in 69 games. He averaged 20:52 of ice time per game, the most among Blackhawks forwards and second on the team to defenseman Alex Vlasic. Also, Daily Faceoff reported that Chicago is projected to possess more than $40 million in cap space for the 2026–27 season, which is why they are planning for this contract extension.

It is to be noted that the 20-year-old who has selected No. 1 in the 2023 NHL Draft has completed the final season of the three-year, $2.85 million entry-level contract. Predictions suggest that since he signed on his 18th birthday, he can become a restricted free agent on July 1.

With this, it has been reported that Chicago is projected to possess more than $40 million in cap space for the 2026–27 season, even after accounting for a potential Bedard mega-extension that could exceed $16 million annually.

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