A major transaction involving Connor Bedard is taking place and he only has two options

Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks have begun the process to keep him around longer than the 2025-26 season.

With his contract expiring at the end of next year, the team will need to ensure the foundation of the organization remains in the same jersey in which he was drafted.

After two consecutive 60+ point seasons in the NHL and one Calder Trophy, he should be getting a nice payday on his new deal.

But questions remain about what kind of contract he should sign next when it is offered to him.

He could receive two types of contracts, a long-term deal, or a bridge deal, typically used in a "prove-it" scenario, or if budgetary concerns arise.

Technically, the Blackhawks and Connor Bedard have an entire season plus to hash out deals for his new contract. As the team and Bedard have committed to a timeline that isn't rushed, we shouldn't expect a new deal to happen overnight.

The issue that could arise for both sides is the length of the contract and production. Bedard's .85 PPG places him above many NHL superstars, including Brady Tkachuk, Dylan Guenther, and Wyatt Johnston.

Guenther makes $7 million, Tkachuk $8.2 million, and Johnston, $8.4 million. Bedard is 19 and has scored the majority of his points (60%) at even strength, which suggests his starting point could be above the $8.4 million cap hit of Johnston.

Could eight years be the ideal term for Bedard and the team? It all depends on his willingness to commit to the team for that long.

While the next option for Bedard and the team could be a bridge. It could result in Bedard getting a higher yearly salary, while the team could find itself managing the cap with precision.

This might be a better option as he could cash in again before 25, while he gets to remain well-paid.

A four-year, $36 million deal could be an option for both sides to explore and possibly agree on.

A four-year deal could put him on the path to an extension in 2030.

The Blackhawks could work their wizardry and sign Bedard to a bridge while they finish building the team around him. Though Bedard might want to take the long-term deal, which makes sure he'll remain a Hawk for close to a decade.