Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard undoubtedly paid close attention to Logan Cooley signing a massive extension with the Utah Mammoth. The 21-year-old forward signed an eight-year, $80 million deal on October 29 to remain in Utah. The agreement will make Cooley the highest-paid player on the Mammoth.
Cooley’s big payday, however, does not just affect the situation in Utah. Fellow top pending restricted free agents, such as Bedard, Leo Carlsson, and Adam Fantilli, will all likely be basing their next contract off of Cooley’s salary. Bedard, in particular, seems prepared to wait for deals involving other similar players to pan out before agreeing to an extension with the Blackhawks. He even suggested that his contract stalemate was “comfortable” ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Bedard’s patience could very well pay off in a big way. The rising star is essentially betting on himself to have a big year, which would allow him to make more money. At the moment, Bedard has already racked up 14 points in his team’s first 11 games. Assuming he can keep up this impressive pace, he can ask Chicago for a huge raise.
Reporter says Negotiations Between Chicago Blackhawks, Connor Bedard Delayed
GettyConnor Bedard has stepped up his game so far this season.
The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun has claimed that Chicago and Bedard did not get close to an extension agreement during talks this summer. In fact, the expert even reports that discussions will now not resume until 2026 and negotiations are at a “fluid delay.” Despite a relaxed feeling by the player, Blackhawks execs will feel pressure from fans the longer the situation goes on.
Money, however, is not the only negotiation piece for the two sides. LeBrun has also suggested that Bedard may want a different contract length than what the team offers. Chicago brass will undoubtedly want to tie down their star to a full eight-year deal. Nevertheless, Bedard could eye a shorter contract to set himself up for another payday a few years down the line.
“I’m totally guessing here, but I think Chicago will do all it can to go the max eight years while it wouldn’t surprise me if (Bedard’s agent) pushes for five,” LeBrun stated. “For five years, I could see something in the $10 million average-annual-value range, or just above. For seven or eight years, you’re looking more at the $12 million-plus range. Bedard has all the leverage, no matter where it goes.”
Chicago Needs to Re-sign Bedard & Give Him Help
Ultimately, a deal between the Blackhawks and Bedard will likely be struck at some point this season. After all, Bedard told reporters in August that he hopes to be in Chicago “for a long time.” Chicago execs also absolutely need to keep the young center in town. This, however, does not mean that Blackhawk fans are not starting to bite their fingernails.
Along with agreeing to terms on an extension, Chicago also has to give Bedard some help on the ice. The Blackhawks finished the 2024-25 season bottom of the Central Division with just 61 points. Team officials then followed this up by not making any major moves in free agency. This comes despite the fact that Chicago has plenty of money to spend. According to PuckPedia.com, the Blackhawks have the most available cap space in the NHL with nearly $18 million.
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