The Chicago Blackhawks closed their season with a 29-39-14 record and without a playoff berth for the sixth consecutive season. Now, attention around the organization will quickly shift to a key offseason decision.
Connor Bedard, the Blackahwks franchise player, is approaching restricted free agency on July 1, when his three-year, entry-level contract is set to expire.
Bedard finished the year with 30 goals and 75 points in 69 games, leading the team in scoring and reaching a point-per-game pace for the first time in his NHL career. His production, however, couldn't save the Blackhawks from finishing last in the Central Division.
Blackhawks chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz addressed Bedard's contract situation on Wednesday while announcing an extension for general manager Kyle Davidson.
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“We couldn’t be happier with how Connor has shown up every single night, the way he competes, the way he leads this team in many ways,” Wirtz said. “Our intention is to absolutely get him signed and have him be a Blackhawk for a long time.”
Chicago has emphasized rebuilding through the draft since landing Bedard in 2023 with the No. 1 overall pick, followed by No. 2 overall Artyom Levshunov a year later and No. 3 pick Anton Frondell last offseason.
“These players in their own development have to take another step,” Wirtz said. “Even Connor needs to take another step, and he will.”
Bedard will reach the end of his three-year, $2.85 million entry-level deal he signed in July 2023 with 203 points (75 goals, 128 assists) in 219 games.
