Blackhawks CEO Committed to Extending Star Player Bedard's Contract

Chicago Blackhawks CEO Danny Wirtz says the team's 'intention is to absolutely get him signed and have him be a Blackhawk for a long time'.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:33am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey player in action, with the player's jersey featuring the Blackhawks logo but their face and other identifying features abstracted into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes.The Blackhawks' future rests on their ability to lock up star center Connor Bedard with a long-term contract extension.Chicago Today

Chicago Blackhawks CEO Danny Wirtz has expressed the team's commitment to signing a long-term contract extension with star player Connor Bedard this offseason. Bedard, who is entering the final year of his entry-level deal, had a breakout season in 2025-26, scoring 30 goals and recording 75 points in 69 games. Despite the Blackhawks' struggles, finishing last in the Central Division, Wirtz emphasized the organization's desire to keep Bedard as a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come.

Why it matters

Bedard is considered one of the brightest young talents in the NHL, and retaining him long-term is crucial for the Blackhawks as they look to rebuild and return to playoff contention. Signing Bedard to a lucrative extension will be a top priority for new GM Kyle Davidson this offseason, as the team aims to build around the 21-year-old center.

The details

Bedard, the third overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, is coming off a season in which he established career highs in goals (30) and points (75) despite the Blackhawks' struggles as a team. The 21-year-old center has quickly emerged as the face of the franchise, and the organization is committed to keeping him in Chicago for the foreseeable future.

  • Bedard is entering the final year of his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.
  • The Blackhawks extended GM Kyle Davidson's contract on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Connor Bedard

A 21-year-old center who is considered one of the brightest young talents in the NHL. Bedard had a breakout season in 2025-26, scoring 30 goals and recording 75 points in 69 games for the Blackhawks.

Danny Wirtz

The CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks, who has expressed the team's commitment to signing Bedard to a long-term contract extension this offseason.

Kyle Davidson

The general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks, who was recently given a contract extension and will be tasked with negotiating a new deal with Bedard this summer.

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What they’re saying

“We couldn't be happier with how Connor has shown up every single night, the way he competes, the way he leads this team in many ways. Our intention is to absolutely get him signed and have him be a Blackhawk for a long time.”

— Danny Wirtz, CEO, Chicago Blackhawks

What’s next

This summer, GM Kyle Davidson will negotiate a contract extension with Connor Bedard, with the goal of keeping the star center in Chicago for the long term.

The takeaway

The Blackhawks' commitment to retaining Bedard, one of the NHL's top young talents, is a clear sign that the organization is focused on rebuilding around the 21-year-old center. Signing Bedard to a lucrative extension will be a crucial first step in the team's efforts to return to playoff contention in the coming years.