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Blackhawks' Kyle Davidson breaks silence on ongoing contract extension talks with Connor Bedard

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Sam Walker
December 9, 2025 (9:51 PM)

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Good energy around the Chicago Blackhawks got real when general manager Kyle Davidson laid out progress and truth for Connor Bedard this season.

Davidson didn't sugarcoat anything, calling Bedard's growth a «massive step forward» and putting expectations into perspective.

Davidson said plainly, «I probably don't want to get too far into it, but we are talking.» That comment on Bedard's next contract signals a clear openness to lock in the young star long-term.

He added that:

«He made his thoughts very clear at the end of the season and subsequently in other interviews, that he's committed to Chicago and wants to be here long-term and we obviously want him here long-term, so there's mutual agreement there.»

Bedard's projected salary on his new contract extension may shock you.

Davidson didn't hide complications either, acknowledging, «I think the new salary cap marketplace is going to stall some (contract talks)» with the recent CBA changes slowing things down.

He also confronted fans' impatience directly with a tougher message on development.

«You go to a game and you want to know the answers. You want to know what are they going to be and when are they going to be that and how good are they going to be. And you want all the answers based on a couple games or a couple months.» Davidson then reminded that «that's just not the reality of development of young professionals, young men.»

He emphasized that Bedard works «as hard as he can to make sure that he's putting himself in the best situation to succeed,» and that offseason focus was «a massive step forward for him.»

Davidson wants growth not premature verdicts

That kind of honesty hits home with many Blackhawks fans who've seen hope and disappointment in waves. The GM's frank take shows faith in Bedard's process even if team results haven't matched flashes of brilliance yet.

Davidson wrapped up by acknowledging the bigger picture: the club isn't just building around a rookie but around a core. He knows scrutiny comes with Bedard's talent and pedigree but insists the key is patience, structure, and long-term planning. That makes this «rebuild» feel real for once.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Chicago Blackhawks deliver surprise demotion to $16M goal-scoring forward

The Blackhawks are glad to see Nick Foligno skating again but return date still unknown

Chicago Blackhawks' Jeff Blashill sends a message to Sam Rinzel after demotion to AHL's Rockford IceHogs

POLL
DECEMBRE 9 \| 121 ANSWERS Blackhawks' Kyle Davidson breaks silence on ongoing contract extension talks with Connor Bedard Do you think Connor Bedard will still sign a long-term extension with Chicago soon?
Yes	88	72.7 %
No	22	18.2 %
Maybe	8	6.6 %
Too soon	3	2.5 %
List of polls

Blackhawks' Kyle Davidson breaks silence on ongoing contract extension talks with Connor Bedard

Good energy around the Chicago Blackhawks got real when general manager Kyle Davidson laid out progress and truth for Connor Bedard this season.

Davidson wants growth not premature verdicts

Do you think Connor Bedard will still sign a long-term extension with Chicago soon?