Blackhawks’ Bedard Presser: Contract Extension & Summer Topics

The love for the team was always at the forefront as well,

“I’ve said it so much, and it’s not anything fake. Chicago’s kind of really the only place I want to play, and just seeing the growth of our young guys and just how good of a group we are, you know, in the room and how tight it is, how much fun we have; I’m very happy to get this deal signed and just focus on the team, and (I’m) excited to get back and get going.”

Injury Update

Contract aside, the other significant thing surrounding Bedard was that he underwent left shoulder surgery on July 8 and is expected to miss four months.

But the good news, according to Bedard, the recovery is going well.

“Yeah, it’s feeling good. Obviously, almost two weeks from the surgery now, and yeah, just kind of grinding, doing everything I can to hopefully make it as good and speedy as I can. But obviously, still pretty early, but it’s feeling good. So just kind of day by day.”

Excitement for New Additions

The Blackhawks made some significant additions to their roster for next season, including adding defensemen Bowen Byram and Ian Cole, and forwards Cole Smith and Jordan Greenway.

Bedard was excited about the offseason moves and had high praise for Byram,

“I think we’ve had a great summer. Obviously, getting Bo, you know… he’s going to be one of the best d-men in the league, and he’s always shown that. But, you know, you play behind Cale (Makar) and (Rasmus) Dahlin… it’s not easy to take their spots. So just for him to get the opportunity to be that one and prove himself in that way, and he’s going to do it. He’s one of the most skilled players in the league, and just his motivation to prove that is unbelievable, and his excitement to be with us is just great for the team. And then obviously, getting Ian and Cole in free agency… Greenway as well. We’ve added a lot of pieces that help our team and make us better. So, it’s hard not to be happy.”

The Blackhawks envision Byram elevating their defense, and their team as a whole, and Bedard feels the same way. He is also just as thrilled with what the additions of Cole, Smith, and Greenway can bring.

Bedard was asked about the players mentioning he was one of the first guys to reach out to them and taking on that role, Bedard said,

“I don’t know if I see it as a role. I think a good amount of guys reached out to everyone, and you know, like I said, we’re a close group. We’re a family, and now they’re a part of that. I think Ian Cole probably landed the most cross-checks on me out of anyone in my life. But now he’s my teammate, and we’re both going to go to war for each other, which is the beautiful thing about hockey. And I’m just excited to add those guys and be their teammates now, and they’re all going to help us a ton.”

Maybe Playing With Kane?

Chris Chelios made an appearance on 104.3 The Score, a Chicago radio show, on July 15. He revealed about Patrick Kane possibly making a return to the Blackhawks, being a free agent, “I am not gonna lie to you guys, it is down to Buffalo and Chicago. I know that.”

Bedard was asked about potentially playing with Kane,

“I hope so. I don’t know what I can say to persuade his decision. But, obviously, we’d all be so excited to have a player like that, but also a guy like that. I can’t imagine his first game back at the UC. The reaction he’d get, and just how much juice that would bring to not only our team, but our fans as well. And you know, that would just be incredible to get to play with him and learn from him. So, hopefully he decides to come back… And you talk about kind of the legacy aspect of it, but just as a team, it would make us a way better team. He’s still an amazing player. I don’t know if this is the best pitch, but hopefully he comes back, and we can play together, for sure.”

Bedard once had a WHL playoff mullet, inspired by Kane, and also said in 2024, “I’ve watched every one of his mixtapes probably 100 times, so I’m pumped for that ” when discussing the video tribute Kane was set to receive when he made his return to the United Center.

So, Bedard’s response of hoping to play with him comes as no surprise.

It would be fun to see for the city and the team.

The Blackhawks “Family”

The Blackhawks talked about being a close team all of last season, and it was a point of emphasis in the media availability, too.

“A lot of us talk all the time. Lardy (Nick Lardis) was actually in town this week. I got to hang out with him and see him. But I think we are such a close group, and we’re keeping obviously tabs on each other all summer, and everyone just kind of talks about how pumped we are to get back, and be with the guys and get started, get to work. But you know… a lot of us are a similar age, going through you know the same thing, and there’s just so much to relate to with each other. So, it’s a lot of fun, and we support each other well, and when you get that kind of camaraderie and family aspect, it makes it even that much more fun to play hockey.”

Bedard’s words have been steady. He has always made it known that he wanted to stay in Chicago. Also, that he loves his teammates and was looking forward to building the team up with them. He has maintained wanting to win in Chicago, and that was brought up again, too.

“I’m not 100 percent sure with what I’ll be doing at that time [to start the season]. I mean, I’d be skating, I think. But for me to be there every day, be in the gym, be grinding, and like I said, I’m gonna do everything I can to make this as quick as possible, and as well done as possible. But I know the guys are gonna go into camp and go into the start of the season and do great, and I’m excited to to watch that and then eventually join them, and just get back to going to battle every day with them; which is all I want to do in in my life.. is just go out there and try to help help us win games.”

Bedard is where he wants to be, and that has always been evident. As well as that insatiable hunger to play and win, of course.