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Connor Bedard to the Canucks: Insider issues statement on his future with Blackhawks that could signal change


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Julien Trekker
November 3, 2025  (2:13 PM)
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Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard in a press conference.
Photo credit: Screenshot

An NHL insider delivered a statement on Connor Bedard's future with the Chicago Blackhawks that hints at a potentially shorter deal than expected, which could result in a return to his hometown Vancouver Canucks team.

With the rapidly rising salary cap and the tendency for star players to request shorter contracts to have more control over their destiny, as Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews did in recent years, this approach will be even more popular among the NHL's top players.
Short-term deals provide less security, but star players don't really have to bother with that.
In Chicago, Connor Bedard expressed his desire to remain in Chicago, and there are very few doubts about his future with the team.
Although he's very likely to sign, the question of term remains up in the air.

Chris Johnston Shares Update on Connor Bedard's Next Contract

On the Chris Johnston Show, the NHL insider talked about Bedard's extension and mentioned that it's not certain that the player agrees to an eight-year contract, adding that a five-year deal could be on the table:
"Chris Johnston: Connor Bedard negotiations: It's not a foregone conclusion he'll sign 8 years, I'm sure the Blackhawks will want that, but his side might want a 5 year deal - Chris Johnston Show (10/31)"
At this point, the Hawks will agree to what the player wants. He is the face of the franchise and is truly emerging as a superstar this season. Bedard has the high ground in the negotiations.
The player has often spoken publicly about his love for the city of Chicago and the Blackhawks organization. Seeing him leave doesn't appear to be an option, but that doesn't make the possibility of a shorter deal unrealistic.
Whether he signs a five- or eight-year deal, in the end, Hawks fans will be able to cheer for Bedard for a long time.
Unfortunately, until he sings, some fans will keep entertaining rumors of his departure:
This season, he has shown that he has what it takes to bring a new era of glory to the Blackhawks, scoring 15 points in 12 games so far.
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Connor Bedard to the Canucks: Insider issues statement on his future with Blackhawks that could signal change

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