The Chicago Blackhawks are looking for better results in 2025-26. And they are putting a lot of their faith in forward Connor Bedard. Bedard is the team’s franchise centerpiece after being selected No. 1 in the 2023 NHL Draft. His performances mean a ton toward any immediate success this team may enjoy.
Entering the 2025-26 campaign, though, an off-ice subplot will dominate discussions around the team. Bedard is in need of a contract extension, as he will become a restricted free agent next summer. Until this contract is signed, this will hang over the team.
Bedard and the team have been in conversation since NHL Free Agency opened back on July 1. While he didn’t become a free agent then, he did become eligible for a new contract on that day. Many Blackhawks fans hoped to have something done sooner rather than later.
The noise around a contract extension could grow as the days pass without a deal signed. However, Bedard is not panicking in the slightest. He mentioned that he is content with where contract talks stand heading into the 2025-26 campaign.
“It’s nothing crazy,” he said at the NHL/NHLPA North American Player Media Tour on Tuesday, via NHL.com “We’re both comfortable with where we’re at. They know I want to be there; I know they want me. So, it’s really not on my mind that much, and I just think when it happens, it’ll happen.”
Connor Bedard Continuing To Adjust To NHL
Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesConnor Bedard is the centerpiece of the Chicago Blackhawks roster.
Bedard achieved some career firsts in 2024-25 despite it being his sophomore campaign in the league. The biggest first was the number of games played. The Blackhawks star played all 82 games this past season for the first time in his career.
Bedard pointed to this as something he’s still adjusting to. He mentioned how effective he was during his rookie season despite it being shortened by injury. And he admitted that there was a bit of a shock when it came to maintaining consistency across the full season.
“It’s something I didn’t understand,” Bedard said, via NHL.com “My rookie year, I got hurt [39 games] in. Obviously, you never want to get hurt, but then I had a little break, and you feel good. So, I think getting to play 82 last year for me was great, because you [figure out] what makes you feel best.
“I think that was so great for me just to learn. You have little gaps, and you find out, ‘How can I not have that? How can I stay consistent?’ The best players in the NHL, they’re not going to be their best every game, but they’re up there most games, so that’s something that really is going to benefit me.”
Blackhawks Hoping For Progress With Bedard, New Coach
Chicago has one of the brightest futures of any team in the NHL. Many expect this team to become playoff contenders within the next few seasons. And Stanley Cup contention could soon follow out of that.
Unfortunately, they took a bit of a step back last season. Bedard’s struggles with consistency didn’t help. But it wasn’t just one player. The entire team seemed to regress during the 2024-25 campaign.
The Blackhawks fired head coach Luke Richardson during the season. In the offseason, they hired Jeff Blashill as his replacement. Blashill has head coaching experience, spending seven seasons behind the bench for the Detroit Red Wings.
A third season of Bedard alongside a new locker room voice could do wonders for the Blackhawks. Perhaps they can surprise some teams and compete for a postseason spot. The Blackhawks begin their 2025-26 season on October 7th against the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
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