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Connor Bedard's future with the Chicago Blackhawks is officially being discussed: Per Kyle Davidson
Photo credit: WGN Radio
Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson has shut down any rumors of Connor Bedard leaving the organization with a substantial update on contract negotiations during free agency.
«I probably don't want to get too far into it, but we are talking,» Davidson said. «So, I think that's an indicator of an openness to discuss."
Davidson also ensured fans that Bedard is willing to commit to the organization long-term, and wants to be a Blackhawk for a large period of time.
«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 became eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1st, as he's entering his final year of his $950,000 average annual value entry-level deal.
The young forward has quickly made an impact on the organization, which has been looking to get back to their winning ways for quite some time.
He has led the team in points throughout his first two seasons in the NHL, and also won the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie in the 2023-24 season.
«We'll see, but if we're able to get something done (soon), that would be fantastic,» Davidson said. «But if we don't, I think it's probably more so out of the uncertainty around how the League and the system is going to be growing or impacted moving forward than anything player/team related.»
The NHL has recently announced their new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which is set to increase the salary cap limit up to $7.5 million for this season.
Bedard is certainly in for a pay day, and is expected to be one, if not thee, highest paid Blackhawk of all-time.
«I think the new salary cap marketplace, it's going to stall some (contract talks),» Davidson said. «It's going to make some of these a little more drawn out that maybe they would have been in the past on a more flat cap. But yeah, we've started (talking) and we'll see if something gets done.
«Again, it's kind of a new world that we've walked into this summer with the cap and where it's going, and the new CBA. Lots of unanswered questions, I think, still, just systematically within the NHL that we're trying to navigate. These things are difficult to get done at the best of times, but then when you toss in a little uncertainty with how some of these structure rules, anything like that, how that can impact things, I think it'll delay things a little bit.»
«Again, it's kind of a new world that we've walked into this summer with the cap and where it's going, and the new CBA. Lots of unanswered questions, I think, still, just systematically within the NHL that we're trying to navigate. These things are difficult to get done at the best of times, but then when you toss in a little uncertainty with how some of these structure rules, anything like that, how that can impact things, I think it'll delay things a little bit.»
At the end of another disappointing season, Bedard addressed rumors of his unhappiness in Chicago and shut them right down.
«I'm a pretty mild-mannered guy and if I looked a little sad on the bench or something, maybe people can take it out of context,» Bedard said on April 17. «I've said it so many times, I love being here and the city, the people.
«If you get the first overall pick (in the NHL Draft), you're probably not winning the (Stanley) Cup the next two years; it's an understanding of where you're at. You're going out there to win every game but at the end, you know we're in a process of growing and learning, and that's an exciting time. When you lose, it makes winning a lot sweeter once you get there. So, we're excited for that.»
-Connor Bedard
«If you get the first overall pick (in the NHL Draft), you're probably not winning the (Stanley) Cup the next two years; it's an understanding of where you're at. You're going out there to win every game but at the end, you know we're in a process of growing and learning, and that's an exciting time. When you lose, it makes winning a lot sweeter once you get there. So, we're excited for that.»
-Connor Bedard
With Bedard set to be locked up long-term, he will be in need of offensive support and linemates who can play up to his high caliber.
That falls on Kyle Davidson, and we will see what he has in store to support Bedard this offseason.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 2 | 385 ANSWERS Connor Bedard's future with the Chicago Blackhawks is officially being discussed: Per Kyle Davidson How much do you think Connor Bedard will earn on his next contract with the Blackhawks? | ||
| $2-4M | 11 | 2.9 % |
| $4-6M | 73 | 19 % |
| $6-9M | 150 | 39 % |
| $9M plus | 151 | 39.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
