Although Bedard could put up some resistance to the Blackhawks’ ideal contract, all signs indicate the two parties should agree on a new deal without any hiccups. However, Bedard wants to see progress in Chicago. As he cleared out his locker at the United Center, Bedard dropped a bold statement for the organization and his teammates to listen.

“This has to be the last year of not playing until the end of the year, not playing for something in the playoff standings,” Bedard said, via Ben Pope of Chicago Sun-Times. “That’s on us as individuals. I take a lot of responsibility for that. I feel like we can all just pull with the same rope.”

While putting everybody in Chicago on notice, Bedard didn’t distance himself from the root of the problem for the Blackhawks. The 20-year-old center made sure to own up to his responsibility. Chicago is in need of a captain, and even after yet another disheartening NHL season, Bedard is showing he has the qualities of one.

Bedard is set for an extension

The Blackhawks are heading for a long offseason after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the sixth straight NHL season. This time around there’s an elephant in the room in Chi-city. Bedard’s entry-level contract (three years, $2.85 million) will come to an end, and the 20-year-old will become a restricted free agent (RFA).

With absolutely no risk of losing him, the Hawks can take their time to find a deal that hits the sweet spot for both the franchise and Bedard’s camp. After spending his first three seasons on a $950,000 AAV contract, Bedard’s net worth will finally take off.

Bedard on contract talks

Negotiations shouldn’t drag on too long, but even if they do, Bedard is showing he couldn’t be bothered to stress about it. That aspect of the business has him carefree. The future captain of the Blackhawks has enough on his plate trying to help the on-ice product improve.

“Honestly, I haven’t thought about it once this year. I know I want to be here. We’ll get it done soon. I don’t think, if it’s not done in a month, there’s any worry,” Bedard admitted, via Ben Pope.

Bedard’s numbers

With a 75-point (30 G, 45 A) season in 2025–26, Bedard reached the 200-point mark in his career. He accomplished the feat in just his third season in the league. Betting on himself in a contract year, Bedard proved his talent once again. He did go through a slump in his sophomore year, but the team did him little to no favors.

Bedard won’t ever call out his teammates, but it goes without saying in the Windy City. The Blackhawks must spend in free agency to surround Bedard with talent. If not, it will be yet another long year for fans in Chicago, with Bedard being left out to dry and asked to carry an entire organization on his back.

When it comes to Bedard, the talent has always been there, and now it’s out there for everybody in the league to see. It’s up to the Hawks to help their franchise savior out for once.

All signs indicate both sides are favoring a quick resolution to the contract negotiations. However, Bedard’s camp may complicate things if they are only willing to accept a certain term on the next contract. The money side of the deal seems to be the one that will be agreed to more easily and quickly.

“The Hawks would love to secure Bedard for eight years. That probably is the most likely outcome, but [Bedard’s] camp could push for a five-year deal,” as reported on Chicago Sun-Times. “That would give him an opportunity for an even bigger payday as an unrestricted 26-year-old, for example.“

Time is of the essence

If the Blackhawks want to re-sign Bedard to a league-max eight-year contract, they must move fast. The NHL‘s new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the league and the Players’ Association (NHLPA) will be in effect starting Sept. 16. From that date onwards, the maximum term on a contract will go down to seven years.

Based on Bedard and the Blackhawks’ comments on the situation, it’d be surprising if his extension took that long. However, anything can happen. If the Blackhawks lowball Bedard’s camp, negotiations may dry up, and it could take until the start of training camp for both sides to reach an agreement. If that’s the case, Chicago’s ideal eight-year extension could be off the table.

Regardless of the exact term and salary details, there is little to no chance that Bedard doesn’t sign a long-term contract with the Hawks prior to the start of the 2026-27 NHL season. Bedard will become a restricted free agent (RFA) and he isn’t eligible for arbitration, so there’s really no fear in Chicago that a deal will be agreed to.

Bedard’s value went up

Bedard bet on himself. The former first overall pick in 2023 was eligible to sign an extension starting July 1, 2025. However, he opted to kick the can on negotiations and play on a contract year in the 2025–26 campaign. The move paid off, as Bedard recorded career highs in goals, assists, and points (30, 45, and 75, respectively).

Bedard’s rise was the main item on a very short list of positive takeaways for the Hawks in a season that saw them finish second-to-last in the league. As a result, Bedard’s value has only increased. Reports suggest his next contract’s average annual value (AAV) will be in the $13.5–15 million range, earning him a seat at the table of the best-paid players in the league—deservedly so.

Connor Bedard: In his captain era

With his next contract in Chi-City, Bedard will likely also receive another distinction. The Blackhawks saw the captaincy vacated after Nick Foligno was traded to the Minnesota Wild, and there’s little doubt that Bedard will become the 37th captain in franchise history.

“We know [Frondell is] a special talent. From everything you hear, super hard worker, super great guy, so I’m just excited to have him over. He’s going to be a good player for us,” Connor Bedard commented on his newest teammate Anton Frondell, via The Athletic’s Scott Powers.

Frondell joined the Blackhawks after his team (Djurgardens IF) back in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) was eliminated from the playoffs. With his season in Europe over, the Hawks decided it was time to fly the 18-year-old across the Atlantic and have him join the squad. Frondell is coming off a 28-point season in the SHL, in which he scored 20 goals and assisted 8 others.

Who will Frondell play with in debut?

Although Jeff Blashill initially dodged a question about Bedard and Frondell potentially playing together, the decision has now been confirmed. The Blackhawks are investing in their young duo right from the get-go.

Frondell will make his NHL debut alongside Bedard and Ryan Greene on the first line. With an average age of 20, the Hawks are now tied with the Sharks for the youngest top forward unit in the league.

What this means for the Blackhawks

This shows just how highly the organization thinks of the Swedish rookie. However, a more pessimistic perspective could see this lineup move as an indicator of how shallow Chicago’s talent depth is. Frondell has yet to take his rookie lap in the league, and he’s already considered a top-liner. Either way, Bedard will welcome him with open arms.

Since he arrived in Chicago, ‘Bedsy’ has yet to be surrounded by top talent, and Frondell has all the tools and potential to become an elite NHLer. The game against the Islanders could be historic. Perhaps it’s the first outing of an alliance that will make much noise in the Windy City.

If the sun ever comes up again at the United Center, it’ll likely be with Bedard and Frondell leading the way. Now, Blackhawks fans finally get to see them together on the ice.

“[Frondell] will be with a good player,” Blashill limited himself to answer, as reported by Kalen Lumpkins of Chicago Tribune.

Blashill may as well have said nothing. As much as the Blackhawks have struggled, calling his players bad would be like shooting himself in the foot multiple times for the head coach. Thus, his answer leaves every possibility on the table.

Where will Frondell play on Blackhawks?

Frondell could join Bedard on the top unit right away, or he might be placed on the fourth line, having to earn his top-six opportunities by spending time on the bottom unit. Either way, Hawks fans are excited to watch Frondell, and they’ll be very disappointed if he isn’t given good opportunities right out of the gate.

For Bedard, the former first overall pick in 2023 has been dreading for a linemate he can build chemistry with. For as long as he’s been with the Blackhawks, Bedard’s line has constantly shifted. He’s seen linemates come and go, and has yet to center a line with true first-line talents around him.

Frondell—the third overall pick in the 2025 NHL entry Draft—could be just that. Still, Blashill is playing his cards close to the chest. Whether the Swedish rookie will join Bedard or another line, it all remains up in the air.

Frondell’s numbers

Only an 18-year-old, Frondell has put up very exciting numbers in the SHL. The teenager tallies 28 points (20 goals and 8 assists) in 43 games this season. Despite playing in a physical league, the 6’1” center has held his ground, and has given Chicago reason to believe he can make the leap to the NHL.

“I don’t think you’re ever ready to be a captain,” Foligno admitted in dialogue with The Athletic. “Honestly, I was never, I’m still not. There’s just so much you learn. But I think [Bedard] would welcome the challenge. He’s a guy that can handle the load, if that’s what you’re asking. He can handle the stress and the responsibility. It’s a learning curve no matter what.”

Needless to say, becoming the Blackhawks captain ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season would mean a lot for Bedard. However, it would also require him to be up for a whole new challenge. Bedard is still young, but has proven time and again to be ahead of his age.

Bedard could be named captain at 21

Bedard will turn 21 years old before the 2026-27 NHL season. While being an alternate captain is a big honor for him, it sometimes feels like too little for the former first overall pick who has the entire future of the Blackhawks organization riding on his shoulders.

Bedard has yet to sign a contract extension in Blackhawks, but all signs indicate that will get done without trouble this summer. And it will likely come with a captaincy, too. It’s the next step, and it’s seemingly on the near horizon.

Some may stand against Bedard being named captain at such a young age, but it might be fitting. The Pittsburgh Penguins named Sidney Crosby captain at 19, and so did the Edmonton Oilers with Connor McDavid. Needless to say, both decisions worked out just fine.

Bedard must be named captain

It may be scary, but perhaps that’s exactly what the Blackhawks need to do: jump into the abyss once and for all. If Chicago stays in its comfort zone, it may never leave the rebuilding phase. If the Hawks are serious about building a championship contender, that wagon has to leave the garage at some point.

When Foligno was named captain—replacing Jonathan Toews—he knew his role was to help Chicago develop the next great leader. Most likely, he wouldn’t be around to see the seed he planted bear fruit. As he watches from Minneapolis–Saint Paul, he can pat himself on the back, for he has done a good job helping Bedard, and it’s now up to the Hawks to hand the kid from North Vancouver the “C”.

Mangiapane had a no-trade clause in his contract, giving him control over his next destination. Rather than wait for another opportunity, he chose to move midseason to Chicago, signaling a willingness to start fresh.

“It was a little tough sledding there in Edmonton. I’m happy to get out and have a nice restart and be with a good organization here,” Mangiapane said, via Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Mangiapane’s performance with Edmonton

Through 52 games with Edmonton this season, Mangiapane has totaled seven goals and 14 points. Those numbers are below his usual production, as he has historically been capable of 15-20 goals per season and even recorded a 35-goal campaign in the past.

Opportunity for a fresh start in Chicago

The Blackhawks hope Mangiapane can regain his scoring touch. A strong performance could help Chicago contend next season or position Mangiapane for a move to a contender at next year’s NHL trade deadline.

While Bedard and the Blackhawks have nothing but respect and gratitude for Foligno, the young team in Windy City is ready to turn the page. That sentiment was made visible after Bedard broke his silence on recent Blackhawks trades with a clear message for the front office.

Now, Bedard—who recently secured a key promotion—becoming an alternate captain for the remainder of the campaign, dropped yet another powerful statement. This time, clearly reflecting the unapologetic mindset that a roster as filled with youth as Chicago’s would take.

“He better keep his head up out there for the boys,” Bedard jokingly said about Foligno, via Ben Pope of Chicago Sun-Times. “I think he’s going to look a little ugly in those jerseys.” Bedard’s Blackhawks and Foligno’s Wild will meet in a home-and-home series on March 17-19. On a more serious note, Bedard posted a message for Foligno on social media. “Gonna miss you, brother. Go win one,” he posted on Instagram stories.

New leader in Chicago

While Bedard’s message for Foligno was meant as banter, it could also reflect the new direction the Blackhawks are headed in—at the very least, the direction Bedard hopes his team takes. Foligno’s trade didn’t catch anybody by surprise. It was a very real possibility, especially after reports hinted Bedard could lose his captain following Foligno’s cryptic comment on his NHL future.

Still, just because the team was ready for it and expecting such a trade doesn’t mean they walk away from it unscathed. However, the Hawks have seen so many faces head out the door that they might be immune to the pain by now. Bedard made it clear that’s not the case—it stings.

Fortunately for Chicago, Bedard has made it his goal to guarantee the 2025–26 campaign was the last time the Blackhawks were sellers before the trade deadline, at least for as long as he is in town. With him trending to re-sign and be named captain ahead of next season, it looks like Bedard will be around for a long while.

It has reached a point where the generational talent is beginning to lose his patience with the rebuild process the Blackhawks are in. Bedard made that clear recently with a straightforward message aimed at the organization.

“It’s motivating that this is the last year that we’re in a spot where we’re moving guys that help us win,” Bedard dropped a fiery statement for the Blackhawks to hear, via Ben Pope of Chicago Sun-Times. “That’s a shi— feeling. [We’ll] just try to not let that happen [again].”

Bedard has had enough

While his commitment to the Blackhawks and the city of Chicago isn’t wavering, Bedard is sick and tired of being held back by his organization. Frustration only grows for him as reports indicate Bedard could lose another veteran teammate after Nick Foligno dropped a cryptic comment.

Moreover, watching fellow first-overall picks like Macklin Celebrini and Matthew Schaefer enjoy significant team success right from the get-go must not be a pleasant sight for Bedard. Since he entered the NHL in 2023, his Blackhawks haven’t been close to sniffing the playoffs.

The Blackhawks must not panic just yet, but they should be careful not to frustrate Bedard too much. After all, the franchise savior has yet to sign a contract extension and is trending to become a restricted free agent on July 1st.

Same old (young) Blackhawks

This season, it felt different for Bedard. A hot start to the year had Chicago hoping of a playoff appearance. Naive, perhaps, but Bedard and his teammates had sky-high expectations.

“Two weeks ago, me, [Colton Dach] and [Ryan] Greene were on vacation, talking about, ‘After we win the Cup, we’re going to go back.’ It’s hard,” Bedard confessed. Now, Dach isn’t even in Chicago. He was traded to Edmonton in the same package that sent Jason Dickinson to The Gateway to the North. In return, the Hawks received a conditional 1st round pick in 2027 and Andrew Mangiapane.

In the blink of an eye, all progress has been wiped away for the Blackhawks. They find themselves back in the same position they have occupied ahead of every trade deadline since Bedard arrived in town.

Needless to say, Bedard has proven he can rise to the occasion and lead the Blackhawks. Chicago showed its confidence and trust in Bedard, who secured a key promotion after the Winter Olympics snub.

However, Bedard and company may now be in for a rude awakening, as reports hint that captain Nick Foligno could be on his way out. Far from putting the matter to rest, Foligno’s cryptic response only raised suspicion that an offer may already be on the table.

“It’s been an absolute honor to be the captain here, so I’m still fully committed to that until told otherwise,” Foligno stated, via Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times. “But there’s a competitor inside you, too, that wants to be playing meaningful games.”

Bedard and Blackhawks could become captain-less

Based on Foligno’s confession, it’s clear the thought of moving out of Chicago has crossed his mind. Moreover, his words indicate he is aware of the noise around his name and it raises alarms for a potential trade that would leave the Blackhawks without their captain and most experienced player.

Chicago has already traded alternate captain Jason Dickinson to the Oilers, meaning if Foligno is out, as well, then Bedard will be the only player wearing a letter on his jersey’s front. Last-minute announcements could be made to hand other players an “A” but none will have as loud a voice as the 20-year-old generational talent has.

A Foligno trade would only state the obvious: GM Kyle Davidson and the Blackhawks are looking ahead. Chicago is bracing the future and its youth-studded lineup only proves that. If Foligno packs his bags, Matt Grzelcyk (born on Jan. 5, 1994) will become the oldest player on the team.

The fact that Bedard missed the 2026 Winter Olympics remains an open wound for both the player and the country. Fans back in the Great White North are still wondering what could have been had he played in Milano-Cortina. Rather than dwelling on the snub, however, Bedard is using it as fuel; so far, it has been a second-to-none motivator.

Bedard and the Blackhawks are 1-2-1 since the NHL season resumed. While watching the team lose close games night in and night out stings, Bedard’s continued rise to the league’s elite is a sight to behold in the Windy City.

Fans would love to see more from the supporting cast, but as far as Bedard’s play goes, there are no complaints to be made. Chicago agrees; head coach Jeff Blashill confirmed Bedard has been promoted to alternate captain for the remainder of the campaign.

Bedard earns promotion to alternate

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Bedard had occasionally worn the “A” on his Blackhawks jersey. However, he is now getting the first letter in the alphabet stitched permanently on his sweater.

“He’s earned it with his commitment to winning hockey. That’s the biggest thing I talked to him about today. He’s very competitive; he works hard every day,” Blashill said about Bedard being named an alternate captain, via Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Bedard could be on track to become captain

Many fans in Chicago—and across the NHL—believe it is only a matter of time before Bedard is named team captain. Current captain Nick Foligno and alternate Jason Dickinson are both on expiring contracts, and the Blackhawks have yet to indicate whether they will re-sign them for the 2026-27 campaign or if the veterans even desire a return. Should both depart, the “C” would be left vacant, and there is no player with a stronger resume than Bedard to inherit it.

Veteran blueliner Connor Murphy might be on the move. According to a report from an NHL insider, the 32-year-old is in the crosshairs of Connor McDavid’s Oilers, who are doing everything in their power to redeem themselves after back-to-back heartbreaks in the Stanley Cup Final.

Although the Blackhawks remain a work in progress—with Connor Bedard essentially running a one-man show—the Oilers believe the experienced Chicago defenseman can be the perfect addition to their championship equation.

“Hearing talks are intensifying for Edmonton to acquire Connor Murphy from Chicago,” Elliotte Friedman reported on his X account. If the report turns out to be true, the trade between McDavid’s Oilers and Bedard’s Blackhawks involving Murphy may very well be dubbed the “Tre Connor” move.

Trade details

According to Sportsnet’s Mark Spector, Murphy is headed to Edmonton for a second-round pick. Moreover, the Blackhawks will reportedly retain half of his $4.4 million cap hit ($2.2 million).

Murphy’s contract comes to an end after this season, so Chicago would only carry that burden for a couple of months before it’s wiped clean ahead of the offseason.

Murphy’s numbers

So far in the 2025-26 NHL season, Murphy has recorded perfect attendance, playing in all 60 games for the Blackhawks. Recording an average ice time of 16:34 minutes per game, Murphy has put up 13 points (4 goals and 9 assists), as well as a -3 plus/minus and 46 penalty minutes (PIM). Murphy’s numbers indicate he is not a menace in the offensive zone, but he can be very effective in his own zone. For the Oilers, that may be all they’ve been looking for.

Murphy usually plays on Chicago’s second defensive pairing alongside 21-year-old Kevin Korchinski. If he were to land in Edmonton, he could keep a similar role in the top four or fill in on the third pairing. Daily Faceoff lists 26-year-old Spencer Stastney and 25-year-old Ty Emberson in those roles at the moment.

Murphy’s veteran presence could provide a much-needed spark for McDavid and company. Edmonton has allowed way too many goals as of late, engaging in more high-scoring games than the team would like. In the playoffs, that may well be a recipe for disaster—even for a team with McDavid and Draisaitl leading the attack.

Why move makes sense for Bedard and Blackhawks

For Chicago, the writing has been on the wall for a while now. Though a hot start to the season gave fans hope of a miraculous ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs—similar to what the San Jose Sharks are on track to accomplish—the Blackhawks have run out of gas. Now, it’s time to go back to the drawing board. Murphy, on an expiring contract, has long been linked to a move before the trade deadline. Now, the time may have finally come.