Latest Connor Bedard contract report shows Blackhawks fans need to be patient

The Chicago Blackhawks have an important offseason ahead of them. This is a team that should be taking a step out of their rebuild, and that will be by building around star Connor Bedard. The thing is, the Blackhawks have to try and sign Bedard to a new contract. Bedard is set to be a restricted free agent, and it could very well set the standard for the next wave of young stars who are due for new contracts.

The two sides tried to negotiate a new deal last offseason, but Bedard instead opted to punt the decision into the summer of 2026. That decision has thus paid off, especially considering the salary cap across the NHL increasing by the year. That, and Bedard had a career year after putting up a 30 goals and 45 assists for 75 total points. Throughout this offseason, fans will undoubtedly be waiting for updates on Bedard's contract status.

According to The Athletic's Scott Powers and Chris Johnston, the talks between Bedard and the Blackhawks have been "very tight-lipped," as the two sides are going to be taking their time.

Connor Bedard and Blackhawks not in a rush in contract talks

"Everyone involved in the Connor Bedard contract negotiations has been very tight-lipped," write Powers and Johnston. "Don’t expect a ton of information coming out before the deal is announced. The new contract could be finished in June, but no one seems to be in a rush."

From the sound of this reporting, it really does feel as though the fanbase won't find out any updates on Bedard's contract extension until the team announces it. That's just how it feels as this point.

Bedard's new contract will have a ripple effect across the NHL, as it will likely be the standard of what teams will have to pay their young superstars. Let's not forget that Bedard's fellow draft mates in Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks and Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets are also due new contracts this offsesaon. Then, next summer, the San Jose Sharks will have to pay Macklin Celebrini, who may very well break the market given how fantastic he's played through two years in the league. So Bedard could very well set the floor in terms of contract value.

For Bedard, it will all come down to the annual salary both sides agree to terms on. According to AFP Analytics, Bedard is projected to earn $12.4 million annually over an eight-year, long-term contract. In terms of whether or not Bedard would want to be the highest paid player in NHL history, he'd have to break the $17 million per year mark set by Kirill Kaprizov and the Minnesota Wild.

These are difficult negotiations for the Blackhawks. They managed to luck into Bedard by winning the NHL Draft Lottery with the third-best odds, saw that he could be a difference maker they haven't had since the prime years of Patrick Kane. Now, it's time for them to pay up. Either way, it sounds like both sides are going to take their time this offseason to reach an agreement on a contract, whether that's long-term or short-term.

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