The Chicago Blackhawks face a tough decision as center Connor Bedard nears restricted free agency. Locking him into an eight-year mega-deal provides long-term stability. However, a bridge contract offers short-term flexibility.

Since being drafted first overall in 2023, Bedard has become the cornerstone for the Chicago Blackhawks. His future is a key part of their plan.

A long-term deal would give the team stability and keep him in Chicago during his prime years, but it would bear a high salary.

A three-to-four-year contract, meanwhile, would delay a big payday and allow more flexibility. But that may conflict with Bedard's interest, as he would remain in restricted free agency when it expires.

Hockey analysts Tyler Yaremchuk and Steve Peters believe the Blackhawks should pin Bedard to a seven to eight-year deal.

"If it costs you $16 to $17 to $18 million, I just think you need to go and get Connor Bedard locked up for the full max term," Yaremchuk said, as reported by Daily Faceoff.

Peters agreed, stating that the Blackhawks' reliance on Bedard should result in a long-term contract extension.

"There are very few that are as important as what Bedard brings to Chicago," he stated. "So you need to make Bedard happy. You've got to pay him."

With the salary cap rising in the 2026-27 season, Bedard can demand a much bigger contract during salary talks. Minnesota Wild's Kirill Kaprizov currently boasts the most lucrative contract in the NHL. His $17 million AAV (Annual Average Value) stands as a league record.

While Bedard's contract may not rival these terms, other young players might be influenced after their entry-level contracts end. He could cash in now and demand an even bigger deal after gaining unrestricted free agency in 2031.

The Blackhawks currently have around $40 million in salary cap space, which could rise over $80 million next season. With Bedard's star growing and contract ending, the team must determine its rebuild structure and the cost of retaining its star.

Bedard's Performances and Value to Blackhawks

Connor Bedard finished the 2025-26 season with 69 games and scored 75 points. Despite a minor shoulder injury curtailing his campaign, the 20-year-old posted 30 goals and 45 assists.

Bedard's impact has been tangible since his debut season. The Canadian won the 2024 Calder Trophy after posting 22 goals and 61 points as a rookie. His scoring numbers have improved every season, showing elite shooting and hockey IQ.

Despite missing 12 games this campaign with injury, he remains a crucial player. The Blackhawks finished 9th in the Western Conference wild card race with 72 points and a 29–39–14 record.

They went 24-32-13 with Connor Bedard in the lineup, compared to 5-7-1 without him. Although the overall record stayed poor, Chicago’s offense and puck movement looked more dangerous with Bedard playing.

With their last Stanley Cup coming in 2015 and no playoff appearances since 2020, they have yet to overcome their struggles. Bedard could be the key to their revival.

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Sijo Paul