Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard ‘not close’ to signing contract extension: Report

During the exit meetings for the Chicago Blackhawks on April 16, Connor Bedard was hopeful that he would sign a contract extension by May.

“I know I want to be here, and we’ll get it done soon,” Bedard said. “I don’t think if it’s not done in a month, there’s any worry.”

More than two months later, the Blackhawks have not agreed to a new deal with Bedard, who is not a restricted free agent.

Per Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Blackhawks front office and Bedard’s camp are still very far apart.

“So far, it doesn’t sound as though the sides have made much progress,” Pope wrote. Bedard repeatedly has said he wants to stay with the Hawks for the long term, but that won’t stop his agents from negotiating for the best deal.

“Bedard’s cap hit likely will fall in the $13 million-to-$16 million range — an enormous number, but one the Hawks have budgeted for. The bigger question is whether he will sign a maximum-length eight-year deal (as many stars have in recent years) or push for a four- or five-year deal that could set him up for an even bigger payday in his prime.”

Chicago Blackhawks: How much is Connor Bedard worth?

More News: Blackhawks considering massive NHL Draft trade to appease Connor Bedard

Chicago selected Bedard with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft. He scored 75 points (30 goals, 45 assists) in 69 games played during the 2025-26 season.

Bedard, 20, is still young and can develop into a star player for Chicago, but it’s fair to say he’s looked underwhelming at times compared to the hype that surrounded him before the 2023 draft. He was left off Team Canada’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

At the same time, Bedard is the Blackhawks’ best player and should grow into a player who becomes an annual All-Star nominee. He made an All-Star appearance and won the Calder Memorial Trophy as a rookie in 2024. But he hasn’t returned to the All-Star game since.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard ‘not close’ to signing contract extension: Report appeared first on ChiCitySports.