Blackhawks CEO Commits to Extending Star Connor Bedard

Wirtz says team's 'intention is to absolutely get him signed' as Bedard enters restricted free agency

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:18pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a hockey match, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette, capturing the energy and intensity of the game.A cubist interpretation of a high-intensity Blackhawks hockey match, with Bedard's dynamic presence on the ice deconstructed into a geometric symphony.Chicago Today

The Chicago Blackhawks have extended general manager Kyle Davidson's contract, and now CEO Danny Wirtz is focused on signing star forward Connor Bedard to a long-term deal. Bedard just completed his entry-level contract and is set to become a restricted free agent on July 1, meaning other teams can match any offer the Blackhawks make. Wirtz expressed the team's commitment to keeping Bedard in Chicago, saying 'Our intention is to absolutely get him signed and have him be a Blackhawk for a long time.'

Why it matters

Retaining Bedard, who has emerged as one of the NHL's top young talents, is crucial for the Blackhawks as they look to rebuild and return to contention after missing the playoffs for six straight seasons. Signing Bedard to a long-term deal would provide stability and a foundation for the franchise's future.

The details

Bedard just finished his third NHL season, recording 30 goals and 75 total points. Over his career, he has amassed 203 points in 219 games. The Blackhawks are coming off a 29-39-14 season, an 11-point improvement from the previous year, and are hoping Bedard can help lead them back to the playoffs.

  • Bedard just completed the final season of his three-year, entry-level contract.
  • Bedard will become a restricted free agent on July 1, 2026.

The players

Connor Bedard

A 20-year-old forward who has emerged as one of the NHL's top young talents, recording 203 points in 219 career games with the Chicago 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.

Kyle Davidson

The general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks, who was recently given a contract extension by the team.

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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

“I am extremely grateful for the support that Danny Wirtz has shown me these last four years. His commitment to our shared vision for the future of the Blackhawks has been vital to the success we've seen as we've worked to build our roster into a team that can compete for years to come.”

— Kyle Davidson, General Manager, Chicago Blackhawks

What’s next

The Blackhawks will need to negotiate a new contract with Bedard before he becomes a restricted free agent on July 1, 2026. The team is committed to keeping him in Chicago long-term.

The takeaway

Retaining star forward Connor Bedard is a top priority for the Chicago Blackhawks as they look to rebuild and return to contention in the NHL. The team's CEO has made it clear they intend to sign Bedard to a long-term extension, providing stability and a foundation for the franchise's future.