Elliotte Friedman has just sent Chicago Blackhawks forward a severe warning that raises eyebrows
Photo credit: NHL
Forward Connor Bedard will be eligible to sign a long-term extension with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 1st, but it appears his decision to re-sign with the organization could be altered by well known NHL insiders who have just sent him a large warning.
19-year old Connor Bedard has now been warned by two NHL insiders, TSN's Craig Button and Sportsnets Elliotte Friedman, advising the former 2023 first overall pick to wait before committing to the Blackhawks for a long period of time.
Instead, they suggest that Bedard and his agent should take advantage of the leverage in their hands against the Blackhawks organization, and with him being a free agent shortly, it would ultimately give the Blackhawks no option.
Either the organization would have to re-sign him to his preferred salary, or if not other NHL teams could offer sheet the young phenom.
During Craig Button's appearance on the Donnie and Dhali show, he argued that Bedard has zero reason to rush into signing an extension with the Blackhawks.
The TSN insider revealed that Kyle Davidson, the general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks, has not given the generational talent a sign that's worth committing to yet, which is quite true from any perspective.
Bedard is suggested to wait before signing his extension, which can be held off until 2026 when his entry-level contract expires.
But if the Blackhawks can't secure Bedard this off-season and he does take the year to wait, he would be eligible to be offer-sheeted by opposing teams.
Arguably being the biggest name in NHL history for a playoff available to offer-sheet.
«The Chicago Blackhawks are awful. If I was Bedard's agent, I wouldn't sign him to any extension. There's no benefit to signing early. He'll make the same money if he waits until next July. Plus, waiting opens him up to potential offer sheets.»
Friedman also gave his take, stating that it's quite possible we will witness Bedard hold off on re-signing with the Blackhawks.
«Why would anyone sign before that? Just to see maybe if anything changes? Now, if you get an idea that the rules aren't going to change, then you don't do it. But I did have someone say to me (that) for a star, for one of the top players-and Bedard is the franchise player in Chicago-you might wait to see if any rules change.»
«Bedard needs evidence from the Chicago Blackhawks that a long-term deal is worth it,» Button said. «Right now, there is nothing in Chicago that makes you think staying is beneficial.»
Let's see where this goes for the Blackhawks organization and Connor Bedard..
Previously on HawksInsider
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 12 | 1991 ANSWERS Elliotte Friedman has just sent Chicago Blackhawks forward a severe warning that raises eyebrows Do you think Elliotte Friedman's warning sent to Connor Bedard will alter his decision to stay in Chicago? | ||
| Yes | 985 | 49.5 % |
| No | 1006 | 50.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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