Connor Bedard’s Next Contract Could Shake the NHL: How Chicago’s Bold Extensions Set the Stage for a Franchise-Defining Gamble
CHICAGO — The Chicago Blackhawks are no strangers to high-stakes decisions, but nothing compares to the moment barreling toward them now. After handing out two very different extensions this summer — one long-term, one short — the franchise is preparing for the biggest negotiation in modern hockey. All roads lead to Connor Bedard, and the hockey world knows it.
The Two Models That Changed the Game
This summer, general manager Kyle Davidson drew two very different lines in the sand.
First came the bold swing: a seven-year, sub-$7 million cap hit deal for a rising forward who has barely scratched the surface of his potential. On paper, it’s a gamble. Few players with such limited NHL experience ever get that kind of trust. But the reward could be enormous. If his growth continues, the Blackhawks may have locked in a future star at a bargain price just as the salary cap rises.
Then came the opposite approach: a three-year bridge deal for a promising young goaltender. This move screamed caution — a pay raise, yes, but with enough flexibility to walk away if he doesn’t blossom into a true starter. It’s a classic “prove-it” contract, allowing both player and team to test the waters before committing long-term.
Two deals. Two philosophies. Both shaping the roadmap for the franchise’s most important player.
The Bedard Question: Short-Term Jackpot or Long-Term Security?
Now, all eyes are on Connor Bedard, the generational phenom already carrying the weight of Chicago’s rebuild. His next contract won’t just set his future — it could reset the entire market for superstar players.
Here’s the math NHL insiders can’t stop debating:
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Option 1: The Long-Term Deal
Eight years at $10 million per season. That’s $80 million guaranteed, locking Bedard in through his prime years and giving the Blackhawks stability. -
Option 2: The Short-Term Bet
Four years at $9 million per season. That’s $36 million up front, but with free agency (and a massive cap increase) waiting on the other side. His second contract could easily jump into the $15–16 million range annually, bringing his eight-year total to over $100 million.
The difference? Roughly $20 million more if he bets on himself. And history says players at Bedard’s level usually do.
The Risk, The Reward, and the Reality
Chicago fans are already torn. Some demand the stability of a long-term extension — jersey sales, branding, and the face of the franchise secured. Others see the logic of Bedard playing the short game, maximizing earnings while keeping leverage.
One fan outside the United Center put it bluntly: “If the Hawks don’t lock him down, we’re staring at the same mistakes we’ve seen before. But if he goes short and keeps winning here? Pay him whatever. Just don’t let him walk.”
Inside the front office, Kyle Davidson knows the stakes. Nail this negotiation, and he cements the foundation of a new Blackhawks dynasty. Mishandle it, and the team risks repeating the collapse that followed their last championship era.
Bedard Speaks Without Saying Much
Though careful in public, Bedard has hinted at the balancing act ahead. He’s focused on winning but hasn’t ignored the financial realities. “I’ve got one shot at this,” he reportedly told teammates. “It’s not just about me — it’s about making sure the team builds something real.”
That comment echoes the heart of the issue: Chicago must prove to Bedard that it can surround him with a winning roster. No contract length or dollar amount will matter if he doesn’t believe in the vision.
Why This Matters Beyond Chicago
This isn’t just a Blackhawks problem. If Bedard opts for a shorter deal and cashes in later, it could set a precedent across the NHL. Future stars may demand flexibility over stability, reshaping how franchises negotiate with their cornerstones.
For the league, for the Blackhawks, and for Bedard himself, this decision is about more than money. It’s about power, leverage, and the future of NHL contracts.
The Countdown Begins
The Blackhawks have already shown two approaches with Nazar and Knight — one bold, one cautious. But with Bedard, there is no middle ground. His deal will define the next decade of Chicago hockey.
The clock is ticking. The city is waiting. And the NHL is bracing for the moment when Connor Bedard decides whether to take the money now — or gamble for history later.
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