17 hours ago
Chicago Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill did not hide his frustration after Thursday's 4-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. He called the performance a major step backward, criticizing his players' effort, skating and attention to detail.
The Blackhawks entered the game looking to build consistency. Instead, they struggled defensively and allowed Detroit to control the game, despite captain Connor Bedard's early goal.
"We had just way too many guys that wasn't close, not enough good," Blashill told NHL reporters.
MORE: Blackhawks coach reveals why Connor Bedard stays on ice in big moments
Final: Detroit 4, Chicago 1
#Chicago
The Blackhawks entered the game looking to build consistency. Instead, they struggled defensively and allowed Detroit to control the game, despite captain Connor Bedard's early goal.
"We had just way too many guys that wasn't close, not enough good," Blashill told NHL reporters.
MORE: Blackhawks coach reveals why Connor Bedard stays on ice in big moments
Final: Detroit 4, Chicago 1
#Chicago
19 hours ago
DETROIT (AP) — Viktor Arvidsson scored his sixth career hat trick and added an ***** ist as the Detroit Red Wings overcame the suspension of former captain Dylan Larkin with a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday.
The third four-point game of Arvidsson's career gave Detroit a 5-1-1 record over its last seven games. Lucas Raymond added a power-play goal and Alex DeBrincat had two ***** ists. John Gibson made 18 saves, including one on Frank Nazar's second-period penalty shot.
Connor Bedard scored for the Blackhawks, who are 0-5 on the road this season. Spencer Knight stopped 25 shots.
The Red Wings suspended Larkin without pay prior to the game. Larkin, who requested a trade during the offseason, through his agent said would no longer play for the organization. Larkin has two goals and six ***** ists in 10 games this season, including the tying goal during a shootout victory at Edmonton on Monday.
Bedard scored at 5:59 of the first period, backhanding a rebound of Wyatt Kaiser's shot. After the Red Wings wasted three power plays, they scored at even strength to tie it. Arvidsson deflected William Wallinder's shot from the point past Knight at 7:31 of the second period.
#shot #arvidsson #bedard
The third four-point game of Arvidsson's career gave Detroit a 5-1-1 record over its last seven games. Lucas Raymond added a power-play goal and Alex DeBrincat had two ***** ists. John Gibson made 18 saves, including one on Frank Nazar's second-period penalty shot.
Connor Bedard scored for the Blackhawks, who are 0-5 on the road this season. Spencer Knight stopped 25 shots.
The Red Wings suspended Larkin without pay prior to the game. Larkin, who requested a trade during the offseason, through his agent said would no longer play for the organization. Larkin has two goals and six ***** ists in 10 games this season, including the tying goal during a shootout victory at Edmonton on Monday.
Bedard scored at 5:59 of the first period, backhanding a rebound of Wyatt Kaiser's shot. After the Red Wings wasted three power plays, they scored at even strength to tie it. Arvidsson deflected William Wallinder's shot from the point past Knight at 7:31 of the second period.
#shot #arvidsson #bedard
2 months ago
3 burning Blackhawks questions entering 2026-27 NHL season appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Chicago Blackhawks once again missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026. The Blackhawks did not reach the highs that similar teams such as the San Jose Sharks reached a year ago. But Connor Bedard and his teammates still made progress as a team in 2025-26.
The Blackhawks want to turn the corner sooner rather than later. Chicago has some very intriguing young players they want to see make an impact. They know what they have in Bedard, but they still have spots to fill across the lineup.
This summer, Chicago was hit with unfortunate news. Bedard suffered an injury during a summer practice and will miss the beginning of this coming season. It's a rough blow for the Blackhawks, as the former first-overall pick is clearly the team's best player.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks once again missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026. The Blackhawks did not reach the highs that similar teams such as the San Jose Sharks reached a year ago. But Connor Bedard and his teammates still made progress as a team in 2025-26.
The Blackhawks want to turn the corner sooner rather than later. Chicago has some very intriguing young players they want to see make an impact. They know what they have in Bedard, but they still have spots to fill across the lineup.
This summer, Chicago was hit with unfortunate news. Bedard suffered an injury during a summer practice and will miss the beginning of this coming season. It's a rough blow for the Blackhawks, as the former first-overall pick is clearly the team's best player.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#blackhawks
2 months ago
The Chicago Blackhawks are tired of losing. Tied for the third-longest active postseason drought in the NHL at six seasons, the Blackhawks are trying to prove that the rebuild is nearing completion and that they're ready to make big strides this year to become competitive.
With Connor Bedard absent until mid-November after undergoing shoulder surgery in July, this is the perfect time for other players to prove they can step up. If the Blackhawks want to jump back into the playoffs this season, the team's youth will have to be a big piece of the puzzle.
In the 2025-26 season, the Blackhawks were tied for the NHL's second-youngest team by average age. It's no secret that they have maintained one of the league's most talented prospect pools since the start of their rebuild. The team has finished in the top 10 of The Athletic's NHL prospect pool rankings list in each of the past four years.
Over the past two seasons, we have seen more and more of these prospects break into the NHL and ease into full-time spots on the Blackhawks' roster. The question is: who will make the biggest leap in their development and establish themselves in the league?
With training camp just around the corner, there are already a few potential breakout candidates for the Chicago Blackhawks.
#blackhawks #seasons #rebuild
With Connor Bedard absent until mid-November after undergoing shoulder surgery in July, this is the perfect time for other players to prove they can step up. If the Blackhawks want to jump back into the playoffs this season, the team's youth will have to be a big piece of the puzzle.
In the 2025-26 season, the Blackhawks were tied for the NHL's second-youngest team by average age. It's no secret that they have maintained one of the league's most talented prospect pools since the start of their rebuild. The team has finished in the top 10 of The Athletic's NHL prospect pool rankings list in each of the past four years.
Over the past two seasons, we have seen more and more of these prospects break into the NHL and ease into full-time spots on the Blackhawks' roster. The question is: who will make the biggest leap in their development and establish themselves in the league?
With training camp just around the corner, there are already a few potential breakout candidates for the Chicago Blackhawks.
#blackhawks #seasons #rebuild
2 months ago
With the expectation that Connor Bedard won't be fully healthy until early to mid-November, there has been much discussion this offseason about who will fill his role as the Chicago Blackhawks' top-line center to begin the 2026-27 season.
While Frank Nazar and Anton Frondell appear to be the most likely choices, Scott Powers of The Athletic recently shared a tidbit suggesting another young forward could be in the mix for Bedard's spot. More in the links for the latest speculation on the Blackhawks' center situation.
Also in Blackhawks news, Chicago Hockey Now ***** yzed Bedard's placement among the NHL Network's top 50 best players, while the Rockford IceHogs released their promo schedule for this year. Plus, a breakdown on the 2026 prospect showcase roster and schedule.
Around the league, the Nashville Predators traded a young, breakout forward to the New Jersey Devils, the Anaheim Ducks plan to honor Ryan Getzlaf, and Eeli Tolvanen finally found a new home.
All that & more in the Daily!
#Chicago #november
While Frank Nazar and Anton Frondell appear to be the most likely choices, Scott Powers of The Athletic recently shared a tidbit suggesting another young forward could be in the mix for Bedard's spot. More in the links for the latest speculation on the Blackhawks' center situation.
Also in Blackhawks news, Chicago Hockey Now ***** yzed Bedard's placement among the NHL Network's top 50 best players, while the Rockford IceHogs released their promo schedule for this year. Plus, a breakdown on the 2026 prospect showcase roster and schedule.
Around the league, the Nashville Predators traded a young, breakout forward to the New Jersey Devils, the Anaheim Ducks plan to honor Ryan Getzlaf, and Eeli Tolvanen finally found a new home.
All that & more in the Daily!
#Chicago #november
2 months ago
It's showtime again in Chicago. Patrick Kane is back where it all began, signing a 2-year contract to likely finish his career as a Blackhawk.
Reactions were mixed, but most Blackhawks fans were thrilled to see him back where he belongs. The $8 million cap hit raised concerns, and many hockey fans were surprised by the high number. Regardless, the team has the cash, and they used it on a player whose value transcends the ice.
The truth is, Kane might be more of a business decision than a hockey decision. With Connor Bedard out to start the season, Kane will get fans at the United Center through the opening chapter of the year. Even after a lackluster offseason headlined by their star's injury, this signing alone has Blackhawks buzz at a recent high. Fans are excited, and the team should keep filling the United Center.
Of course, that doesn't mean Kane won't improve the team's overall quality. Had Kane played for the Blackhawks last year, he would have been third in total points and fourth in goals. Even playing just 67 games, Kane would have been an important offensive contributor. He provides stability in the top-six, an exits-and-entries game that the Blackhawks are desperate for, and he can help lead the power play to success that they struggled to find last season.
Additionally, and most obviously, is his leadership. Who better to lead a young group of Blackhawks than the man himself? Originally, Kyle Davidson wanted to move on from Kane so that the next generation could take over. Now that players like Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Alex Vlasic are starting to establish themselves as leaders, there should be little concern about whether Kane will stunt their growth. If anything, it's the opposite. Three Stanley Cups just entered the locker room, and he's going to teach them how to win a few more.
#blackhawks #fans #united #back
Reactions were mixed, but most Blackhawks fans were thrilled to see him back where he belongs. The $8 million cap hit raised concerns, and many hockey fans were surprised by the high number. Regardless, the team has the cash, and they used it on a player whose value transcends the ice.
The truth is, Kane might be more of a business decision than a hockey decision. With Connor Bedard out to start the season, Kane will get fans at the United Center through the opening chapter of the year. Even after a lackluster offseason headlined by their star's injury, this signing alone has Blackhawks buzz at a recent high. Fans are excited, and the team should keep filling the United Center.
Of course, that doesn't mean Kane won't improve the team's overall quality. Had Kane played for the Blackhawks last year, he would have been third in total points and fourth in goals. Even playing just 67 games, Kane would have been an important offensive contributor. He provides stability in the top-six, an exits-and-entries game that the Blackhawks are desperate for, and he can help lead the power play to success that they struggled to find last season.
Additionally, and most obviously, is his leadership. Who better to lead a young group of Blackhawks than the man himself? Originally, Kyle Davidson wanted to move on from Kane so that the next generation could take over. Now that players like Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Alex Vlasic are starting to establish themselves as leaders, there should be little concern about whether Kane will stunt their growth. If anything, it's the opposite. Three Stanley Cups just entered the locker room, and he's going to teach them how to win a few more.
#blackhawks #fans #united #back
3 months ago
When the New England Patriots took the Gillette Stadium fields on Tuesday for their joint session with the Indianapolis Colts, Christian Gonzalez was nowhere to be seen. The star cornerback did not make a late entry either; for the first time this training camp, he missed practice.
Gonzalez's absence comes in light of his ongoing contract negotiation with the Patriots. Naturally, it raised questions whether or not the two were related.
According to a report by Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal, they were not. Gonzalez apparently sat out the session due to a "minor injury sustained at the end of Monday's practice."
The 24-year-old appeared to hurt his ankle during that particular session, trying to defend a touchdown pass from Drake Maye to Romeo Doubs. He did not receive any medical attention on the field and left the session with no obvious limitation.
Speculation nonetheless ran high on Tuesday, especially with Gonzalez seemingly throwing oil on the fire on social media later during the day:
#session #tuesday #england #stadium
Gonzalez's absence comes in light of his ongoing contract negotiation with the Patriots. Naturally, it raised questions whether or not the two were related.
According to a report by Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal, they were not. Gonzalez apparently sat out the session due to a "minor injury sustained at the end of Monday's practice."
The 24-year-old appeared to hurt his ankle during that particular session, trying to defend a touchdown pass from Drake Maye to Romeo Doubs. He did not receive any medical attention on the field and left the session with no obvious limitation.
Speculation nonetheless ran high on Tuesday, especially with Gonzalez seemingly throwing oil on the fire on social media later during the day:
#session #tuesday #england #stadium
3 months ago
Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson has openly said that Connor Bedard's influence now extends beyond the ice. As the NHL franchise continues its rebuild, Davidson revealed that Bedard has become part of key offseason conversations, including the decision to bring Patrick Kane back to Chicago on a two-year contract.
Davidson said those discussions reflect Bedard's growing importance within the organization.
"I think it's important to have those conversations, especially with your best players, current and future leaders," Davidson said. "You want their input, it's good information. Just like anyone else at your disposal, you want those opinions that are informed, that are important to the path you're going down."
MORE: Blackhawks rookie Roman Kantserov wants in on Patrick Kane & Connor Bedard experiment
Davidson also stressed that consulting Bedard does not mean the young star makes front-office decisions.
#patrick #important
Davidson said those discussions reflect Bedard's growing importance within the organization.
"I think it's important to have those conversations, especially with your best players, current and future leaders," Davidson said. "You want their input, it's good information. Just like anyone else at your disposal, you want those opinions that are informed, that are important to the path you're going down."
MORE: Blackhawks rookie Roman Kantserov wants in on Patrick Kane & Connor Bedard experiment
Davidson also stressed that consulting Bedard does not mean the young star makes front-office decisions.
#patrick #important
3 months ago
Paul Bissonnette has said that the San Jose Sharks secured more than a franchise player when they signed Macklin Celebrini to a record-setting extension. Speaking on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast, the former NHL forward compared the 20-year-old center to one of hockey's greatest players after his historic new deal.
Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million extension on July 29, carrying an NHL-record $18.8 million average annual value. The contract begins in 2027-28 after the final season of his entry-level deal. It surpassed Leo Carlsson's $18 million AAV and Connor Bedard's $15 million extension signed earlier this summer.
MORE: Patrice Bergeron recalls Sidney Crosby's jaw-dropping play with 2005 Team Canada
Bissonnette said Carlsson's offer sheet helped establish the market but did not believe money alone drove San Jose's decision.
"I would say, 'Thank you, Leo Carlsson offer sheet,' because that kind of set around where he was going to get," Bissonnette said. "But I don't really think it mattered."
#million
Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million extension on July 29, carrying an NHL-record $18.8 million average annual value. The contract begins in 2027-28 after the final season of his entry-level deal. It surpassed Leo Carlsson's $18 million AAV and Connor Bedard's $15 million extension signed earlier this summer.
MORE: Patrice Bergeron recalls Sidney Crosby's jaw-dropping play with 2005 Team Canada
Bissonnette said Carlsson's offer sheet helped establish the market but did not believe money alone drove San Jose's decision.
"I would say, 'Thank you, Leo Carlsson offer sheet,' because that kind of set around where he was going to get," Bissonnette said. "But I don't really think it mattered."
#million
3 months ago
By most financial measures, the second quarter at TFI International was strong.
Second quarter diluted earnings per share were up 41% to $1.65 from the corresponding quarter a year ago. EBITDA was up more than 11%.
But underneath that, and what came through in Monday evening's conference call with ****** ysts, is that the rise in profitability came from the Truckload operations at TFI, as well as its Logistics segment, while LTL, which provided 41% of the revenue, improved but not as much as Truckload.
The difference between the two at TFI (NYSE: TFII) was most stark in their respective EBITDA margins. It was 18% for LTL, and 24.1% for Truckload. (Logistics had a 16.3% EBITDA margin). In the first quarter, the respective numbers were 12.1% and 19.5%. While the percentage gain was more for LTL in the quarter, that measure of profitability continues to lag Truckload.
In one notable part of the conference call, CEO Alain Bedard and CFO David Saperstein talked about the differences in the markets for the two largest segments.
#profitability
Second quarter diluted earnings per share were up 41% to $1.65 from the corresponding quarter a year ago. EBITDA was up more than 11%.
But underneath that, and what came through in Monday evening's conference call with ****** ysts, is that the rise in profitability came from the Truckload operations at TFI, as well as its Logistics segment, while LTL, which provided 41% of the revenue, improved but not as much as Truckload.
The difference between the two at TFI (NYSE: TFII) was most stark in their respective EBITDA margins. It was 18% for LTL, and 24.1% for Truckload. (Logistics had a 16.3% EBITDA margin). In the first quarter, the respective numbers were 12.1% and 19.5%. While the percentage gain was more for LTL in the quarter, that measure of profitability continues to lag Truckload.
In one notable part of the conference call, CEO Alain Bedard and CFO David Saperstein talked about the differences in the markets for the two largest segments.
#profitability
3 months ago
CHICAGO — When it comes to promoting nostalgia, no one does it quite like the Chicago Blackhawks.
So it’s not surprising the Hawks would bring back franchise legend Patrick Kane at 37 to re-create memories of the three-time Stanley Cup champions of the 2010s, pairing him with the next franchise savior — Connor Bedard — through the 2027-28 season.
Of course, any resemblance between those teams and the current edition of the Hawks is coincidental, and you don’t need AI to make a 37-year-old Kane look much different from his 19-year-old self.
Kane signed a two-year deal Thursday with an annual average of $8 million, which reminds us of his number, 88. It’s seen by many as overpaying for a player whose best years are in the past, but considering the marketing aspect for the Hawks, it’s probably worth every penny.
Word of the signing spread quickly, almost as though it was part of a well-planned advertising campaign. A “Welcome Home Patrick Kane!” message appeared on the Wrigley Field marquee, and the Bears tweeted a photo of Kane lifting the Stanley Cup while wearing a Bears jersey at Soldier Field, along with the message, “He’s baaaaaack.” The Hawks sent out several tweets, including one of Kane skating at the Blackhawks Ice Center, where he has been working out all summer.
#year #patrick #bears #franchise
So it’s not surprising the Hawks would bring back franchise legend Patrick Kane at 37 to re-create memories of the three-time Stanley Cup champions of the 2010s, pairing him with the next franchise savior — Connor Bedard — through the 2027-28 season.
Of course, any resemblance between those teams and the current edition of the Hawks is coincidental, and you don’t need AI to make a 37-year-old Kane look much different from his 19-year-old self.
Kane signed a two-year deal Thursday with an annual average of $8 million, which reminds us of his number, 88. It’s seen by many as overpaying for a player whose best years are in the past, but considering the marketing aspect for the Hawks, it’s probably worth every penny.
Word of the signing spread quickly, almost as though it was part of a well-planned advertising campaign. A “Welcome Home Patrick Kane!” message appeared on the Wrigley Field marquee, and the Bears tweeted a photo of Kane lifting the Stanley Cup while wearing a Bears jersey at Soldier Field, along with the message, “He’s baaaaaack.” The Hawks sent out several tweets, including one of Kane skating at the Blackhawks Ice Center, where he has been working out all summer.
#year #patrick #bears #franchise
4 months ago
The Chicago Blackhawks will open the 2026-27 NHL season without franchise center Connor Bedard after he underwent successful surgery to repair his left shoulder.
The team confirmed the update on Wednesday, stating on X, "This morning, Connor Bedard underwent successful surgery to repair his left shoulder. We expect him to make a full recovery in an approximate timeline of four months."
Bedard suffered the injury during an offseason practice in Vancouver on July 2. The projected recovery means he will miss training camp and the opening weeks of the regular season.
The 20-year-old is coming off his best NHL campaign, leading Chicago with 75 points, including 30 goals and 45 ***** ists, in 69 games. Since being selected first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Bedard has produced 203 points in 219 career games and captured the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year in 2023-24.
MORE: Oilers' 24-year-old goalie Devon Levi faces one crucial adjustment
The team confirmed the update on Wednesday, stating on X, "This morning, Connor Bedard underwent successful surgery to repair his left shoulder. We expect him to make a full recovery in an approximate timeline of four months."
Bedard suffered the injury during an offseason practice in Vancouver on July 2. The projected recovery means he will miss training camp and the opening weeks of the regular season.
The 20-year-old is coming off his best NHL campaign, leading Chicago with 75 points, including 30 goals and 45 ***** ists, in 69 games. Since being selected first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Bedard has produced 203 points in 219 career games and captured the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year in 2023-24.
MORE: Oilers' 24-year-old goalie Devon Levi faces one crucial adjustment
4 months ago
Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard had surgery on his left shoulder on Wednesday, July 8, and will be out for four months, the team announced.
Video last week showed Bedard leaving the ice grabbing his shoulder after he was hurt while practicing with other players in Vancouver.
The four-month timeline will keep Bedard out of the lineup until early November. The starting date for the 2026-27 season won't be announced until next week, but he'll miss about a month.
This is the third major injury of Bedard's young career. He injured his shoulder last season during a last-second faceoff on Dec. 12 and missed 12 games before returning. He also suffered a broken jaw during the 2023-24 season and missed 14 games his rookie season.
Bedard is a restricted free agent and will need a new contract before the start of the 2026-27 NHL season.
Video last week showed Bedard leaving the ice grabbing his shoulder after he was hurt while practicing with other players in Vancouver.
The four-month timeline will keep Bedard out of the lineup until early November. The starting date for the 2026-27 season won't be announced until next week, but he'll miss about a month.
This is the third major injury of Bedard's young career. He injured his shoulder last season during a last-second faceoff on Dec. 12 and missed 12 games before returning. He also suffered a broken jaw during the 2023-24 season and missed 14 games his rookie season.
Bedard is a restricted free agent and will need a new contract before the start of the 2026-27 NHL season.
4 months ago
Connor Bedard's fourth NHL season will start later than usual due to an unfortunate injury sustained during offseason training that required surgery.
On Wednesday, the Blackhawks announced that Bedard had successful surgery to repair his left shoulder earlier in the morning. The team also announced that his recovery timeline is expected to take approximately four months, putting him back on the ice for Chicago around early-to-mid November.
It's a rough blow for Bedard, who dealt with a right shoulder injury back in December 2025 that caused him to miss four weeks of the season. Bedard, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2023 NHL Draft, has had just one fully healthy season back in 2024-25 after dealing with a fractured jaw in his rookie year. Despite last season's injury, Bedard posted career highs in goals (30) and points (75) for the Blackhawks as they continue to build around the star center.
Even with his mid-season return, this is definitely not the summer news the Blackhawks and Bedard were hoping for, that's for sure.
On July 2, during a Blackhawks offseason practice, Bedard fell into the boards on his left shoulder after tripping on the ice. Bedard immediately left the ice after the injury, clutching his left shoulder in extreme pain.
On Wednesday, the Blackhawks announced that Bedard had successful surgery to repair his left shoulder earlier in the morning. The team also announced that his recovery timeline is expected to take approximately four months, putting him back on the ice for Chicago around early-to-mid November.
It's a rough blow for Bedard, who dealt with a right shoulder injury back in December 2025 that caused him to miss four weeks of the season. Bedard, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2023 NHL Draft, has had just one fully healthy season back in 2024-25 after dealing with a fractured jaw in his rookie year. Despite last season's injury, Bedard posted career highs in goals (30) and points (75) for the Blackhawks as they continue to build around the star center.
Even with his mid-season return, this is definitely not the summer news the Blackhawks and Bedard were hoping for, that's for sure.
On July 2, during a Blackhawks offseason practice, Bedard fell into the boards on his left shoulder after tripping on the ice. Bedard immediately left the ice after the injury, clutching his left shoulder in extreme pain.
4 months ago
Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard is out until at least November after undergoing left shoulder surgery, the team announced on Wednesday.
Bedard, the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick, was injured falling near the boards during an offseason training session last week at Scotia Barn in Burnaby, B.C.
It is the second shoulder injury suffered by Bedard in the past year. He injured his right shoulder in December during a faceoff against the St. Louis Blues. That cost him four weeks and he did not take faceoffs for the Blackhawks again until late February.
This story will be updated.
Bedard, the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick, was injured falling near the boards during an offseason training session last week at Scotia Barn in Burnaby, B.C.
It is the second shoulder injury suffered by Bedard in the past year. He injured his right shoulder in December during a faceoff against the St. Louis Blues. That cost him four weeks and he did not take faceoffs for the Blackhawks again until late February.
This story will be updated.
4 months ago
The Philadelphia Flyers tendering a five-year, $90 million offer sheet to the Anaheim Ducks‘ Leo Carlsson was expected to have a massive ripple effect on the future contracts for some of the NHL’s top stars. With Chicago Blackhawks‘ center Connor Bedard eligible for an extension, it appears we know what the price tag might be to sign him.
According to TheFourthPeriod‘s Irfaan Gaffar, Bedard is seeking an extension worth around $17 million per season, in the range of what Kirill Kaprizov signed with the Minnesota Wild.
Connor Bedard stats (2025-26): 75 points (45 ****** ists, 30 goals), 5 game-winning goals, 20:52 TOI/G, 315 faceoffs won, 47.1% face-off percentage, 27 blocks, 31 hits
“Connor Bedard is in for a payday. He saw Bowen Byram get a payday. I think that Connor Bedard is looking at Kirill Kaprizov money. I think that is a situation and that is a number that he’s looking at, and I do strongly believe that he thinks he deserves it. I’m not entirely sure the Chicago Blackhawks as an organization are close to that number when discussing Connor Bedard right now.”
Irfaan Gaffar on the potential cost of a Connor Bedard contract extension
According to TheFourthPeriod‘s Irfaan Gaffar, Bedard is seeking an extension worth around $17 million per season, in the range of what Kirill Kaprizov signed with the Minnesota Wild.
Connor Bedard stats (2025-26): 75 points (45 ****** ists, 30 goals), 5 game-winning goals, 20:52 TOI/G, 315 faceoffs won, 47.1% face-off percentage, 27 blocks, 31 hits
“Connor Bedard is in for a payday. He saw Bowen Byram get a payday. I think that Connor Bedard is looking at Kirill Kaprizov money. I think that is a situation and that is a number that he’s looking at, and I do strongly believe that he thinks he deserves it. I’m not entirely sure the Chicago Blackhawks as an organization are close to that number when discussing Connor Bedard right now.”
Irfaan Gaffar on the potential cost of a Connor Bedard contract extension
4 months ago
When the NHL draft lottery determined the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks were the Nos. 1 and 2 picks, respectively, the NHL world recognized the Vancouver Canucks as the biggest losers. But the team just behind the Canucks in the order — the Chicago Blackhawks — were similarly left in the cold at No. 4.
Chicago made the stunning move to ship that pick to the Sabres for Bowen Byram, a free agent after the 2026-27 season, in a package that also involves the No. 45 overall pick and Louis Crevier being sent to Buffalo while the Blackhawks absorb Jordan Greenway. It's the first time since 2008 a team has shipped off a known top-five pick, making it a wildly risky move for Chicago.
REQUIRED READING: Bowen Byram trade grades: Blackhawks take big gamble moving top-5 pick
So why would the Blackhawks take such a desperate swing? The answer is that GM Kyle Davidson is, in a word, desperate. In the current iteration of the NHL postseason, it can be extremely easy to find yourself in purgatory. Teams can scratch and claw their ways to competing for a playoff spot until late February to early March, come up short of the playoffs after a push, and retool in the next offseason.
Retooling, however, isn't an option in this offseason. The free agent class is barren, with Rasmus Andersson and John Carlson likely set to get big contracts as the best defensemen available. And the Blackhawks have a former No. 1 overall pick in Connor Bedard that they have to build around now. Bedard is a restricted free agent, which means Chicago has exclusive negotiating rights with the 20-year-old budding star. But with the Blackhawks in a six-year playoff dearth, and an eight-year drought leaving out the shortened 2019-20 season, the trade for Byram is a swing made out of necessity verging into recklessness.
Chicago made the stunning move to ship that pick to the Sabres for Bowen Byram, a free agent after the 2026-27 season, in a package that also involves the No. 45 overall pick and Louis Crevier being sent to Buffalo while the Blackhawks absorb Jordan Greenway. It's the first time since 2008 a team has shipped off a known top-five pick, making it a wildly risky move for Chicago.
REQUIRED READING: Bowen Byram trade grades: Blackhawks take big gamble moving top-5 pick
So why would the Blackhawks take such a desperate swing? The answer is that GM Kyle Davidson is, in a word, desperate. In the current iteration of the NHL postseason, it can be extremely easy to find yourself in purgatory. Teams can scratch and claw their ways to competing for a playoff spot until late February to early March, come up short of the playoffs after a push, and retool in the next offseason.
Retooling, however, isn't an option in this offseason. The free agent class is barren, with Rasmus Andersson and John Carlson likely set to get big contracts as the best defensemen available. And the Blackhawks have a former No. 1 overall pick in Connor Bedard that they have to build around now. Bedard is a restricted free agent, which means Chicago has exclusive negotiating rights with the 20-year-old budding star. But with the Blackhawks in a six-year playoff dearth, and an eight-year drought leaving out the shortened 2019-20 season, the trade for Byram is a swing made out of necessity verging into recklessness.
