The Chicago Blackhawks chose forward Connor Bedard with the first overall selection of the 2023 NHL Draft, and while he’s become the face of the rebuilding franchise since then, he’s yet to appear in his first Stanley Cup Playoff game.
While the Blackhawks improved a total of 11 points from last season in 2025-26, they still came nowhere close to breaking their postseason drought, which is now at six years and counting.
Even more importantly is the contract status for Bedard, who just completed the third season of his three-year, entry-level contract he signed not long after being drafted by Chicago.
The expectation is that Bedard is going to be paid handsomely to remain in Chicago for the foreseeable future, and there doesn’t appear to be any significant obstacles in making that a reality.
Connor Bedard Spoke Honestly About His Contract Negotiations With The Blackhawks
Following their final regular-season game, Bedard made it clear that the organization needs to start winning more games.
(At) the end of the day, we’ve got to start winning,” Bedard said. “It’s been a while, and I think it takes a toll on you, and you want to make that step. We talk about it all the time, but it’s on us to go out there, have good summers, come back and make that leap.”
Well aware of the noise surrounding his contract status, Bedard didn’t appear to leave any doubt that he was coming back with a lengthy contract with the Blackhawks.
“It’s just seeing kind of what fits the team best, what fits me best and just going from there kind of thing,” Bedard said. “So, you know, I’m very open to however they see it and what they have to say.”
Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson, who was recently given a contract extension of his own, said that there shouldn’t be any issues hammering out an agreement between the two sides.
“We’ll get that done, and we’ll get to work soon on that,” Davidson said. “Like I said, he’s so important to our team. He took such a big step forward this year in every facet. So yeah, that’s certainly an important one to cross off the list.”
Meanwhile, Davidson also hinted at adding to the roster to supplement Bedard’s talent.
“We’re definitely going to explore what’s out there,” said Davidson, who finalized a multiyear contract extension with the team before the season finale. “I don’t think I’m shy to try things. Just nothing has arisen in the last little while to make that happen. But we’re going to look at what we can do to add to the roster, of course.”
The Blackhawks Know Connor Bedard Is The Face Of Their Franchise
The Blackhawks are well aware that Bedard is the face of the franchise.
“As a guy that has played with him and been on the team since he’s been here, I’ve seen how he’s changed as a person and player, and he’s shown everybody in this organization – including me – that he knows what it takes to win,” said Ryan Donato. “He’s put in the work and he’s dedicated and obviously he’s the franchise player. We want to make sure we play our best for him, but he wants to give his best to every guy.”
Bedard finished his third NHL season by scoring 30 goals with 45 assists.
Connor Bedard Gets Honest About Contract Talks With Blackhawks