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Blackhawks, Connor Bedard Tap Brakes on Extension Talks as Camp Opens

Chicago signals confidence in a long-term agreement despite no active negotiations.

Overview

  • Kyle Davidson said the team is not actively working on a new deal now and expressed zero concern about reaching a long-term agreement.
  • Connor Bedard described the process as a couple of casual chats and reiterated his comfort with staying in Chicago long term.
  • Bedard is in the final year of his entry-level contract after becoming extension-eligible on July 1 and would be an RFA without arbitration rights next summer if unsigned.
  • Through 150 NHL games, Bedard has 45 goals and 83 assists for 128 points, underscoring his status as the franchise centerpiece.
  • Recent long-term extensions for Jack Hughes, Owen Power and Juraj Slafkovsky are viewed as market comparables, with analysts noting a McDavid-level deal is unlikely and Chicago holding ample cap space.