Connor Bedard anticipates breakout season with Blackhawks as contract talks loom
With the recent extension of Frank Nazar secured, all eyes in Chicago have turned to their cornerstone player, Connor Bedard. The young star is entering the final season of his entry-level contract and, at just 20 years old, he is eager to kick off his third year with the Blackhawks on a high note.
Contract Extension on the Horizon
As Bedard prepares for what many hope will be a breakout season, the topic of his impending contract extension has started to gain traction. NHL insider Frank Seravalli recently shared insights into the current state of negotiations, indicating that talks regarding Bedard’s new deal are yet to commence. This aligns with earlier reports suggesting that both the Blackhawks and Bedard’s camp are comfortable waiting until next summer to engage in discussions.
The delay in contract negotiations may not be the news Hawks fans were hoping to hear. The situation echoes the contract saga faced by the Oilers with star forward Connor McDavid, where discussions have been postponed repeatedly. However, from Bedard’s perspective, the strategy to hold off on talks could prove advantageous. After a sophomore season that saw him accumulate 67 points, he and his agent may be betting on a significant improvement this year.
Aiming for a Stellar Season
The stakes are high for Bedard as he looks to leverage the rising salary cap and his intense summer training regimen into a lucrative new contract. With the Blackhawks’ salary cap situation in mind, a standout season could position him for a substantial payday next summer—one that might dwarf Nazar’s recent extension.
As the Blackhawks gear up for the season, both Bedard and the franchise find themselves under the spotlight. With aspirations for a better year ahead, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this promising talent evolves on the ice and what it may mean for his future with the team.
