A major development in Connor Bedard leaving the Chicago Blackhawks confirmed by NHL insider

NHL Insider Pierre McGuire appeared on a TSN broadcast recently to discuss the former 1st overall pick in the 2023 NHL draft.

Bedard is in the news due to the fact that he's in negotiations with the Blackhawks in what should result in a nice, new contract with term.

He has a chance to make his new deal a bridge, or with a term greater than 8 years. Though he can command a lot of authority over his next contract with two 60-point seasons under his belt and a Calder Trophy.

McGuire believes that Bedard will opt for the long-term deal, which could be upwards of 8 years in Chicago, due to how Kyle Davidson has continued to backfill the prospect pipeline with promising talent.

Davidson's youth movement is poised to be one of the best units in the NHL, with Frank Nazar, Sam Rinzel, Spencer Knight, Artyom Levshunov, and others making an impact in Chicago.

Bedard's 3-year, $2.85 million ELC will expire at the end of the 2025-26 season, and it's pertinent that he and Davidson find a sweet spot as far as money and cash go as the team prepares to build for the future.

Bedard was most recently seen in a video with Macklin Celebrini working with Justin Rai's "Kaivo Hockey" training organization in Vancouver, BC, in order to improve his skating.

Could he return in 2025-26 and set the NHL on fire again as he improves yet another weapon in his arsenal?

With no rush to get the deal done, he could put himself into a higher payday if he exceeds last season's production of 67 points (23-44).

Bedard still needs his Patrick Kane, though. Will that be Anton Frondell or Nick Lardis?