Connor Bedard's future with the Blackhawks addressed in latest statement by himself and NHL analyst
Photo credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
Connor Bedard is the foundation for the Blackhawks' future, and despite all the noise surrounding the former 1st-overall pick, his commitment to Chicago is steadfast as GM Kyle Davidson has begun extension talks with the 20-year-old center.
The Chicago Blackhawks' Connor Bedard is a 20-year-old generational talent who was selected 1st overall in 2023.
On the cusp of his third year in the NHL, there remains suspicion of what his future holds in Chicago, or whether he'd re-sign or not.
Fear not.
«I've said it 100 times, I mean, I love it here, and I have a great relationship with Kyle and everyone,» Bedard recently stated during the team's final press conference, referring to Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson. He added, «We really trust the direction we're going.»
NHL analyst confirms Bedard's future in Chicago
"For now, Blackhawks fans can rest easy. Bedard likely isn't going anywhere; he's a foundational piece who sees his future in red, white, and black. As he put it, he trusts the direction. If his late-season heroics are any indication, that direction is up, and fast.
- Tony Marchese of OnTapSportsnet
- Tony Marchese of OnTapSportsnet
Bedard and the Blackhawks are not going to rush contract extension talks, as the junior Blackhawk's forward won't be an RFA until the end of the season.
At 150 games played in the NHL, he's scored 128 points (45-83) and has shown himself to be the guy to lead the team into the future.
While the Blackhawks did finish 8th in the Central with a dismal record of 25-46-11, the team looked different at the end of the year, as saw prospects trickle into the lineup. Such as Sam Rinzel, Oliver Moore, Frank Nazar, Artyom Levshunov, and others. They're on the same route as Bedard: growth.
As the face of the franchise, though, we ponder what the driver of success for the Blackhawks' future could yield in terms of a contract.
With the salary cap rising, the possibility of locking Bedard down long-term through the team's rebuild.
The Hawks could sign him to an eight-year deal for a slightly less expensive term than a bridge deal. It depends on how much of the salary cap he hopes to command, which could range anywhere from 10% and above.
A long-term deal could ensure that Kyle Davidson has the means to continue to build around Bedard through the peak of the rebuild.
One has to think that this will be the route that Bedard takes, considering he wants to build a dynasty instead of joining one.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 23 | 484 ANSWERS Connor Bedard's future with the Blackhawks addressed in latest statement by himself and NHL analyst Do you think center Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks will sign a bridge or long-term deal with the team? | ||
| Bridge | 272 | 56.2 % |
| Long-term | 212 | 43.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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