Connor Bedard's current extension stance with Blackhawks' management has been revealed after Nazar's extension
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Connor Bedard's current stance on a contract extension with the Chicago Blackhawks has been revealed following Frank Nazar's deal.
Bedard's first two campaigns have already shown why he's considered the face of Chicago's rebuild. Despite the critics, he impressed as a rookie with 61 points in 68 games and followed that with 67 points over a full 82-game season.
Still, Seravalli suggested that his third year will be the most crucial of his career yet.
Update on Connor Bedard' Contract Extension From Frank Seravalli
Heading into his third NHL season, Bedard finds himself eligible for a long-term contract but is in no rush to sign one.
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, both the Blackhawks and Bedard's representatives are comfortable holding off on serious talks, allowing the upcoming season to determine his true market value.
Chicago just finalized a seven-year agreement with Frank Nazar worth $6.59 million annually, a contract that will begin in 2026-27.
That deal gives the front office valuable cost certainty and, at the same time, creates a natural point of comparison for Bedard's negotiations.
Seravalli noted that while Nazar's number «puts something on the table,» Bedard is expected to command a much higher figure if he has a breakout season.
Listen to his full intervention here:
From the Blackhawks' perspective, patience prevents them from overcommitting too early while still keeping cap flexibility.
For Bedard, betting on himself could mean pushing his eventual price tag closer to $10 million per year rather than something in Nazar's range.
The message is clear: neither side feels urgency. Chicago wants to see Bedard take the next step, and Bedard wants the chance to raise the bar.
How he performs in year three could shape not just his extension, but the direction of the Blackhawks' long-term plans.
