Chicago Blackhawks star forward Connor Bedard has stated he is in no hurry to sign a new deal with the club, but assured fans that his desire to play for the team remains unwavering. Although Bedard has been eligible for an extension since July 1 and could become a restricted free agent next summer, he remains calm about the situation.
“We`re both comfortable with where we`re at. They know I want to be there; I know they want me. So, it`s really not on my mind that much, and I just think when it happens, it`ll happen,” Bedard said, as quoted by NHL.com.
The 20-year-old was evasive when asked if he would sign a contract sooner rather than later to ease the minds of Blackhawks fans, simply replying, “We`ll see.”
Currently, Bedard earns $950,000 on his entry-level contract, and his next agreement is expected to bring a significant pay raise.
Entering his third professional season, Bedard has led the Blackhawks in scoring for two consecutive years and won the Calder Trophy as the league`s top rookie. However, his efforts have yet to propel the team into the playoffs, as the Blackhawks have missed the postseason for the past five seasons.
The North Vancouver native is determined to start the season strong, aiming not only for a playoff berth but also for a spot on Team Canada for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic Games.
“I would need to have a great start, kind of light it up a bit,” he said. “But there are so many great players in Canada. There are going to be guys who play great and don`t make it. That`s just how deep it is. Obviously, there were guys at the Four Nations tournament, and they won, and you understand that.”
“I`m trying not to think about it. Just go out and play and try to play the best I can and see what happens. If I play great and don`t make it, like I said, there are so many great players. It`s not going to be something that I would take personal or anything, but it would be special to be there, for sure.”
Bedard, along with fellow young British Columbian talent Macklin Celebrini, did not make Canada`s roster for February`s Four Nations Face-Off but both were invited to an orientation camp in early September. This is a positive sign that they are on General Manager Doug Armstrong`s radar for final roster decisions.
The 2023 first overall pick believes he has made significant strides since entering the league, not only in his on-ice play but also in understanding how to be a professional by playing all 82 games.
“I think that was so great for me just to learn. You have little gaps, and you find out, `How can I not have that? How can I stay consistent?` The best players in the NHL, they`re not going to be their best every game, but they`re up there most games, so that`s something that really is going to benefit me.”
Bedard has played 150 total games, accumulating 128 points. He leads a young Blackhawks core, including Frank Nazar, Kevin Korchinski, and Lukas Reichel, who are looking to take the next step.
