Chicago Blackhawks have immediate worry after Connor Bedard’s extension news

Connor Bedard’s contract extension was the top worry for the Chicago Blackhawks after the end of another disappointing regular season this spring.

Bedard told reporters in April that he intended to stay with the Blackhawks, but he became a restricted free agent this summer as negotiations weren’t fruitful in the spring.

Then came the bad news for Bedard and Chicago: the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft suffered a left shoulder injury, his second shoulder injury since December. He’s expected to miss the next three to four months as he recovers from surgery.

Per the Blackhawks, Bedard signed a five-year deal worth $75 million. That puts him behind the No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft, Leo Carlsson, who’s set to make $18 million per year with the Anaheim Ducks.

The $15 million per season range was somewhat expected. What wasn’t expected was the relatively short contract the Blackhawks signed Bedard to. He was expected to be locked down for the next seven to eight years.

Bedard is set to become a free agent again when he turns 26.

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Some Blackhawks fans are worried that Bedard will look to jump ship in five years.

Frankly, one couldn’t blame Bedard for signing a five-year contract after Chicago’s rebuild process since 2023 has been slow going.

The Blackhawks are going to have to turn the team into a true playoff contender to keep Bedard around.

In the meantime, Chicago has a worry of its own when it comes to the health of the five-foot-10, 190-pound forward. Bedard played in 68 games his rookie year after needing surgery to repair a broken jaw. He played in just 69 games last year with the shoulder injury and will miss considerable time to start the upcoming season.

Bedard needs Chicago to build a strong team around him, but the Blackhawks need their cornerstone player to be available on the ice.

Both sides have five years to make it work.

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