Connor Bedard gives update on contract negotiations

From the moment the 2025-2026 season ended, Connor Bedard has been asked about his next contract. The 20-year-old has now played out the entirety of this 3-year entry-level contract and is expected to sign his first big deal this summer.

In 219 career games, Bedard has put up 203 points, including a career-high 75 points in 69 games last season. When it comes to the terms of his next deal, the dollar amount isn't an issue, as the Blackhawks have a projected $40,160, 842 in cap space (according to PuckPedia). The length of the contract is what worries fans.

Both Bedard and Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson have made it clear that negotiations were to start after the season ended in April. In the exit interviews on April 16, Bedard reassured fans that he is easy-going and in no rush to sign.

"Honestly, I haven't thought about it once this year. I know I want to be here. We'll get it done soon. I don't think, if it's not done in a month, there's any worry." Bedard said

So what is happening with negotiations

With Bedard being back home in Vancouver working on his game, I had the opportunity to ask him about the pending contract and if he is interested in signing long-term

"I'm open to whatever, see what they want, what I want. Obviously, we're talking and stuff, so yeah, whatever works best for both sides"

One thing to pull from this quote is that Bedard is telling us they are talking. There have been plenty of rumors and rumblings going around about whether or not negotiations have even begun.

Expectations for next season

Bedard, and some of his teammates, have already stated they want to make the playoffs next year, does that change Bedard's approach to training this offseason?

"Our goal is to make the playoffs, so it doesn't really change my approach, but that's our goal," Bedard said after wrapping up the third week of Justin Rai's Kaivo Hockey Camp.

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