Blackhawks GM Confirms First Move on Connor Bedard Extension Talks

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Blackhawks GM Confirms First Move on Connor Bedard Extension Talks originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Chicago Blackhawks have begun negotiations with wunderkind Connor Bedard on a potential contract extension, with the 2025–26 season marking the final year of his entry-level deal.
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General manager Kyle Davidson confirmed the ongoing talks on Tuesday. Bedard became eligible to sign an extension on July 1, exactly a year from the date his current $2.85 million contract will expire.
"I probably don't want to get too far into it, but we are talking," Davidson said. "So, I think that's an indicator of an openness to discuss.
"He made his thoughts very clear at the end of the season, and subsequently in other interviews, that he's committed to Chicago and wants to be here long term. And we obviously want him here long term, so there's mutual agreement there."
As Davidson noted, Bedard already stated his willingness to sign a long-term deal to stay in Chicago before the NHL Draft when asked about his future.
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"We have a great relationship, and everyone knows I want to be a Hawk as long as I'm playing," Bedard said. "And I know they appreciate me and want me with the team."
Bedard, however, said timing is not a concern and that he won't rush any decision with a year still left on his current deal.
"Whether it's done next week or during the year or at the end of the year, that doesn't stress me out too much," Bedard said. "Anything can happen, but the relationship with me and the team is really strong."
Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard (98) shoots during warm-up at Rogers Arena.Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Davidson pointed to the rising salary cap and the evolving market as the main reasons for the slow process in contract talks with Bedard.
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"It's going to make some of these a little more drawn out than maybe they would have been in the past on a more flat cap," Davidson said. "But yeah, we've started and we'll see if something gets done."
The NHL announced the projections for future salary cap upper limits at the end of January, with those figures listed at $95.5 million, $104 million, and $113.5 million for the next three seasons.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.