With Connor Bedard signed, who is the next important Blackhawks contract?

With Connor Bedard locked in long-term, the Chicago Blackhawks have their franchise player in place. But as Kyle Davidson constructs the secondary core around him, he needs to make sure those pieces are also locked up. But which players are the most important to re-sign now that Bedard and Frank Nazar are extended? 

While Anton Frondell represents a massive piece of the Blackhawks' long-term future, he isn't the contract negotiation fans need to keep an eye on right now. Shortly after being drafted third overall in 2025, Frondell officially put pen to paper on his three-year, entry-level deal. Since he played at the end of the 2025-26 season, he burned a year of his ELC. However, it is still not due for an extension until July 1st, 2027. 

Korchinski & Levshunov's extensions needs to be done ASAP

Instead, the next contract that truly carries monumental weight for Chicago's salary cap structure belongs to blue-line anchors Kevin Korchinski and Artyom Levshunov.

Korchinski, drafted seventh overall in 2022, is currently a restricted free agent (RFA) and is looking to sign an extension. The hope is that the deal can get done before the start of the 2026-27 season, so he doesn’t miss time sitting out of the lineup. He has the potential to be a dynamic defenseman who can log big minutes while helping drive the offense. Which is why signing him long-term should be a priority. 

As for Levshunov, he is the other future pillar on the backend. The Blackhawks already have players like Alex Vlasic, and now Bowen Byram is signed long-term; they can’t wait to get Levshunov and Korchinski locked up. It would give them a very well-rounded top four and help get them into contender status if they keep adding to their roster. 

The good news is Levshunov still has the 2026-27 season to play before becoming an RFA. He is eligible for an extension now, but there is no pressure. However, it makes more sense for the Blackhawks to get things lined up now with their future stars. So, they can continue to add to their roster and get back into the playoffs for the first time in Connor Bedard’s time with the organization. 

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