Connor Bedard concern arises for Blackhawks amid free agency surprise

The Chicago Blackhawks have certainly been active this offseason, trading away the No. 4 overall pick in the NHL Draft to acquire Bowen Byram and making numerous additions in free agency, including Ian Cole, Cole Smith, Dylan Anhorn and Connor Mackey.

The Blackhawks have demonstrated a focus on improving their blue line this summer, which is something both general manager Kyle Davidson and head coach Jeff Blashill made very clear weeks ago. But there is still one big concern looming for Chicago: Connor Bedard.

Bedard hit restricted free agency on July 1, and the Blackhawks have yet to ink him to a long-term contract. The chances of a team swooping in and stealing Bedard away from Chicago are very slim. The Hawks certainly wouldn’t let that happen.

But could the Blackhawks be in for a surprise that could force them to pay up sooner than they would like?

Based on the fact that the New Jersey Devils made an offer sheet to Utah Mammoth forward Barret Hayton, Nestor Quixtan of Blackhawk Up feels it’s a possibility.

Chicago Blackhawks facing a major Connor Bedard concern

Hayton was signed to a one-year, $4.78 million offer sheet by the Devils, and the Mammoth will now have a week to match. The difference? Bedard would receive a much larger offer than that, which has raised concerns for Quixtan.

“That brings us to Bedard. If there’s a team out there with the audacity to make such a move, it wouldn’t be for $4.78 AAV. The deal would be much more substantial,” Quixtan wrote. “The upper limit of the compensation table is four first-round picks for contracts of $11.939 million or more.”

Of course, the chances of a team being willing to part with four first-rounders for Bedard seem very, very slim. But it could happen, nonetheless.

“There’s no question that the Bedard camp wants to cash in. And there’s no doubt the Blackhawks are looking to do what’s best for the organization’s long-term security. So, there’s a gap there that needs to be filled,” Quixtan added. “In the meantime, there could be a chance that someone out there pulls off a stunning move and brings in one of the most promising young forwards in the game.”

For the Blackhawks’ sake, getting Bedard locked up as soon as possible would be the best course of action. Not only would it keep other teams at bay, but it would allow them to determine their future spending, because they would know exactly how much they are paying the 20-year-old.

Chicago has shown improvement over the last couple of seasons, and that is due much in part to Bedard. It’s time to ensure he stays long term.

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