Connor Bedard is eligible for a contract extension with the Chicago Blackhawks this summer. The No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft told reporters in April that he hadn’t thought about signing a new deal during the regular season.
There have been plenty of rumors and speculation surrounding Bedard’s happiness with the Blackhawks organization. Chicago fired head coach Luke Richardson in December and finished with the league’s second-worst record.
A big offseason for the Chicago Blackhawks
NHL: Chicago Blackhawks at Vancouver Canucks Mar 15, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard (98) handles the puck against the Vancouver Canucks in the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Bedard has been urged to wait until the Blackhawks provide clarity on their plans to develop a winning team around him. And with the way the coaching search is going, Chicago has a lot to prove.
At the very least, he could wait to extend his contract until next offseason when the pay scale should be higher.
Bedard made it clear during his end-of-season presser that he likes being in Chicago and wants to remain with the Blackhawks. But he appears to have money on his mind before his upcoming contract season.
Connor Bedard is skipping the World Championship
NHL: New Jersey Devils at Chicago Blackhawks Mar 26, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) warms up before a game against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Per Scott Powers of The Athletic, Bedard won’t play for Canada at the World Championship this year.
“Connor Bedard won’t be playing for Canada at the World Championship this year, according to a source,” Powers wrote on X.
Powers doesn’t know why Bedard declined the opportunity, but suggested that the center wants to improve his skillset this offseason instead of playing for Canada.
“Didn’t hear exactly, but I assumed this was a possibility if he wanted to hit the offseason hard and work on his speed,” Powers wrote. There’s little upside to playing more games.”
Bedard needs to improve at a few pieces of his game before he enters negotiations with the Blackhawks. He must get better at face-offs and not turning the puck over.
Playing the World Championships won’t help with that.
NHL: Chicago Blackhawks at Pittsburgh Penguins Apr 8, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
