Chicago Blackhawks Bedard Isn’t Sweating Next Contract Extension

Connor Bedard isn’t sweating his next contract, and neither should the Chicago Blackhawks faithful. While the phenom has been eligible for a contract extension since July 1st, both he and the organization have presented a united, calm front. There’s no rush, but the shared intention is clear: Bedard will be the face of the Chicago Blackhawks for a long, long time.

“We’re going to get it done when it gets done, and I’m excited to be here for a long time,” Bedard said recently, putting any speculation to rest.

General Manager Kyle Davidson echoed that sentiment, stating, “I have zero concern about where that’s headed. He wants to be here for a long time, and we want him for a long time. We’re going to make that happen.”

With his entry-level deal expiring after the 2025-26 season, let’s break down what this inevitable mega-deal could look like for the franchise cornerstone.

Projecting Bedard’s Landmark Deal

The consensus is that both sides are eyeing a maximum-length, eight-year contract. The financial specifics are where the negotiation lies. Instead of a fixed number, the most logical approach is to project the contract as a percentage of the NHL’s salary cap, which is expected to rise significantly by the time the new deal kicks in for the 2026-27 season.

Current projections place the 2026-27 cap at around $104 million. This rising tide lifts all financial boats, especially for a player of Bedard’s caliber.

What This Means for the Chicago Blackhawks

Securing Bedard long-term is the single most important objective for the Chicago Blackhawks’ front office. He is the centerpiece of the rebuild, and his contract will serve as the financial bedrock around which the rest of the roster is constructed.

While the team has recently extended other young talents like Frank Nazar and Spencer Knight, Bedard’s deal is in a class of its own, according to Blackhawks writer Ben Pope. Bedard’s annual cap hit will likely fall somewhere between 12% and 13%. This would translate to a salary in the range of $12.5 million to $13.5 million per season.

This figure represents a significant but necessary investment. For the Chicago Blackhawks, it provides cost certainty for their most valuable asset, allowing them to strategically build a competitive team around him for the better part of the next decade.

How Bedard’s Contract Stacks Up

To put this into perspective, Jack Hughes’ second contract with the New Jersey Devils accounted for 9.7% of the cap when it was signed. On the higher end, Connor McDavid’s blockbuster extension with the Edmonton Oilers came in at a staggering 15.7% of the cap.

Bedard’s projected deal places him firmly between these two benchmarks, reflecting his franchise-altering talent while still affording the Blackhawks the financial flexibility to surround him with the pieces needed to chase a Stanley Cup.

For now, Bedard is focused on what he does best: playing hockey. The business side will take care of itself, but one thing is certain—the future of the Chicago Blackhawks runs directly through him.