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A huge development in Connor Bedard leaving Chicago after advisories from prominent NHL insiders
Photo credit: NHL Galleries
Forward Connor Bedard will be eligible to sign a long-term extension with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 1st, but it appears his decision to stay with the organization could be altered by prominent NHL insiders who have just sent him a large warning.
19-year old Connor Bedard has now been warned by both TSNs Craig Button and Sportsnets Elliotte Friedman, advicing former 2023 first overall pick to wait before committing to the Blackhawks for a long-period of time.
Instead, they suggest that Bedard and his agent should take advantage of the leverage in their hands as a future restricted free agent.
During Button's appearance on the Donnie and Dhali show, he agruged that Bedard has zero reasoning to rush into signing an extension with the Blackhawks. Stating that Kyle Davidson, the general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks, has not given the generational talent a sign that's worth committing to yet.
Bedard would reportedly be best to wait before signing his extension, which can be until 2026 when his entry level contract expires.
But if the Blackhawks can't secure Bedard this off-season and he does take the year to wait, he would be eligble to be offer sheeted from opposing teams.
Arguably being the biggest name in NHL history for a playoff available to offer-sheet.
«The Chicago Blackhawks are awful. If I was Bedard's agent, I wouldn't sign him to any extension. There's no benefit to signing early. He'll make the same money if he waits until next July. Plus, waiting opens him up to potential offer sheets.»
Friedman also chimed in, stating that it's quite possible we will witness Bedard hold off on re-signing with the Blackhawks this summer.
«Why would anyone sign before that? Just to see maybe if anything changes? Now, if you get an idea that the rules aren't going to change, then you don't do it. But I did have someone say to me (that) for a star, for one of the top players-and Bedard is the franchise player in Chicago-you might wait to see if any rules change.»
«Bedard needs evidence from the Chicago Blackhawks that a long-term deal is worth it,» Button said. «Right now, there is nothing in Chicago that makes you think staying is beneficial.»
Let's see where this goes for Bedard..
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 6 | 2516 ANSWERS A huge development in Connor Bedard leaving Chicago after advisories from prominent NHL insiders If you were in 19-year old Connor Bedard's shoes would you re-sign with the Blackhawks in Chicago? | ||
| Yes | 486 | 19.3 % |
| Nope, i'd run! | 2030 | 80.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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