Blackhawks' general manager is prepping his salary cap for Bedard.

As history has shown, all the generational talent in this generation of NHL stars seems to bypass the prove-me contract known as the bridge. The salary cap was designed so that after the entry-level contract, a team can offer a bridge contract to the player to prep them for their first deal at the age of 25.

Fortunately for the superstars of this era, that does not apply as most. Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner of the Maple Leafs, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers all received high-priced deals to retain them long-term and buy into some free agency years.

According to capfriendly.com, the highest-paid player in Chicago's offence is Tyler Johnson at $5 million. All members of their offensive side only have one year left on their deals. Their entire offensive roster will be free agents going into 2024-2025.

Davidson is setting the table for the contract which Bedard will be asking for once his ELC's done. He will need to look at other talents he will draft that he may sign within the next two years.

It will be fascinating how Davidson will spend almost $40 million in cap space including accommodating the next best franchise player in the last 10 years.