CHICAGO HOCKEY INSIDER | NHL TEAM | CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

A Matthew Knies deal for the Chicago Blackhawks involving Connor Bedard's next contract

PUBLICATION

Jack Sutherland
August 14, 2025 (6:41 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

An unnamed NHL player agent recently said that the new contract for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies could have a major impact on Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard's next deal.

The Chicago Blackhawks continue to trudge through their rebuilding process, which has already yielded 3 top-3 selections in the NHL Entry Draft, including 2023 1st overall pick Connor Bedard and 2025 3rd overall pick Anton Frondell.

Bedard is set to enter the final year of his rookie deal and can become an RFA next summer. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs recently re-signed forward Matthew Knies to a 6-year contract, making it clear that he's part of their long-term future.

An unnamed NHL player agent hinted recently that the extension for Knies could impact Bedard's upcoming contract, as he's set to enter the final year of his current deal.

Look at (Matthew) Knies signing for six years instead of max term like we've seen of other top RFAs in the past, same for (Wyatt) Johnston at five years. Now you have key impending RFAs like (Logan) Cooley, (Connor) Bedard, (Adam) Fantilli and (Leo) Carlsson all eligible to extend and everyone is waiting to see which group blinks first.

Bedard had 67 points (23G, 44A) this year with Chicago, his 2nd in the NHL.

Connor Bedard is sick of losing with the Blackhawks

It was an adjustment for Bedard to come into the NHL, and he wasn't used to the constant losing that he'd experience on the young, rebuilding Blackhawks squad.

He made it clear in no uncertain terms that the losing was a frustrating reality, but that he wanted to be part of the solution to fix it.

"Yeah, it's hard. It sucks. You never want to lose. The amount we've done it so far is obviously frustrating, and you can ask anyone in the room. But I think you try to stay positive and try to win the next game. It's always on your mind, and you want to fix it."

So far in his NHL career, Bedard has 128 points (45G, 83A) in 150 games.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Three Blackhawks under pressure as their time in Chicago's expiring

Chicago Blackhawks suggested to sign 1300 game NHL veteran to professional tryout offer

Chicago Blackhawks acquire right-handed shot defenseman from the Boston Bruins today in hockey history

POLL
AOUT 14 \| 378 ANSWERS A Matthew Knies deal for the Chicago Blackhawks involving Connor Bedard's next contract Will the Blackhawks have any trouble re-signing Connor Bedard to a new long term contract?
Yes	154	40.7 %
No	224	59.3 %
List of polls

A Matthew Knies deal for the Chicago Blackhawks involving Connor Bedard's next contract

An unnamed NHL player agent recently said that the new contract for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies could have a major impact on Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard's next deal.

Connor Bedard is sick of losing with the Blackhawks

Will the Blackhawks have any trouble re-signing Connor Bedard to a new long term contract?