The Chicago Blackhawks are widely expected to sign forward Connor Bedard to a long-term extension during the NHL offseason as the organization continues building around its young superstar. Bedard, who becomes eligible for a new contract this summer before entering restricted free agency, is viewed as the centerpiece of Chicago's rebuild and one of the NHL's brightest young talents. League insiders and analysts believe the Blackhawks will prioritize securing the 20-year-old center to a massive multi-year extension before the start of next season.
Top Offseason Priority
Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson recently acknowledged that extending Bedard is one of the organization's top priorities heading into the offseason. According to a report from Daily Faceoff, NHL analysts believe Chicago should move aggressively to secure Bedard on a maximum-term deal rather than risk a shorter 'bridge' contract that could become significantly more expensive as the NHL salary cap rises in the coming years.
According to Puckpedia, Connor Bedard is currently signed to a 3-year, $2.85 million contract with a $950,000 cap hit per season. His contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, making him a restricted free agent. The Blackhawks are expected to announce the extension soon, as it is their top offseason priority before the young center approaches restricted free agency.
Career-Best Season
This season, Bedard achieved career highs in points (75), goals (30), and assists (45) in 69 games. He averaged 20:52 of ice time per game, the most among Blackhawks forwards and second on the team to defenseman Alex Vlasic. The 20-year-old, who was selected No. 1 overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, has completed the final season of his three-year entry-level contract. Since he signed on his 18th birthday, he can become a restricted free agent on July 1.
Cap Space and Contract Projections
Daily Faceoff reported that Chicago is projected to possess more than $40 million in cap space for the 2026–27 season, even after accounting for a potential Bedard mega-extension that could exceed $16 million annually. This financial flexibility gives the Blackhawks ample room to lock up their franchise cornerstone without hampering their ability to build a competitive roster around him. The organization's commitment to Bedard underscores their confidence in him as the future of the franchise.
