Connor Bedard Concern Emerges Amid Blackhawks Contract Talks

The timing is significant given Bedard’s contract situation. The 20-year-old center is currently out of contract after completing his three-year, $2.85 million entry-level deal.

According to Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson, the two sides have yet to finalize an extension, even though a long-term agreement has been widely expected for months. Davidson simply said on Thursday that he had no update on the situation.

Concerns about the potential severity of Bedard's injury may now factor into the negotiations. Bedard suffered a shoulder injury last December that sidelined him for 12 games, and this latest incident could be similar in nature, although affecting the opposite shoulder.

The recurrence of shoulder issues could influence how the organization approaches a potential long-term commitment, and in turn, Bedard might lose some negotiating leverage if the injury proves to be serious enough.

Bedard is coming off his most productiveNHL season, notching 75 points, split into 30 goals and 45 assists, while appearing in 69 games. He led Chicago in points and assists while finishing second in goals.

Despite Bedard's production, questions about his durability could complicate discussions with Chicago. Bedard already missed 14 games as a rookie, and after appearing in all 82 regular-season games two years ago, he again missed 13 last season.

According to AFP Analytics, Bedard is projected to sign either a three-year, short-term deal worth $9.38 million per season, or a long-term, eight-year contract with a cap hit of around $12.36 million per year.