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Paul Bissonnette Makes Bold Predictions for Connor Bedard’s 2025-26 Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 11:41 AM ET

Connor Bedard will become a hot topic around the NHL during the next few weeks and months leading up to free agency next summer, even as he enters just his third season with the Chicago Blackhawks.

The 20-year-old forward will play the final year of his entry-level contract in 2025-26, which will make him a restricted free agent in July if no deal for an extension is reached before then.

Former NHL forward Paul Bissonnette weighed in on Bedard’s next contract this week during the Sept. 2 episode of the "Spittin’ Chiclets" podcast, and his prediction was blunt.

"I personally believe that he’s going to have 38 goals to 40 goals, if you had to say over. I think he’s gonna have 35 assists," Bissonnette said. "So I think he’s gonna break the 70-point mark. He has 73 points. How about that math from Bizzy Boy?"

If Bedard hits that range, Bissonnette expects the payday to match. The former NHL player and current analyst also hinted that, if all goes according to his thoughts, the young center could command as much as $13 million annually, depending on the rising salary cap.

"They probably offered Bedard in the 10, 10 and a half range," Bissonnette said. "But by next year’s cap. If he has a year like that, who else are they going to pay?"

The Blackhawks have already shown a willingness to lock up their top young talent in an effort to build for the future by signing forward Frank Nazar to a seven-year, $46.2 million extension after just 58 games in the NHL.

Nazar's $6.6 million cap hit instantly became a good baseline for Bedard’s next deal, though Bissonnette pointed out that Bedard’s contract will be “in the double digits,” considering his generational talent.

Bedard played 68 games in his debut season two years ago, scoring 61 points (22 goals, 39 assists) before notching 67 points (23 goals, 44 assists), appearing in all 82 regular-season games last season. The Blackhawks, however, missed the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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