Blackhawks Prioritize Bedard's Contract Extension in Key Offseason

Team expected to name young star as new captain amid focus on building a winning roster.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:08pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey player in motion, with sharp planes of red, black, and white representing the Blackhawks' team colors and the fractured, multi-perspective style conceptually illustrating the team's rebuilding efforts centered around their young franchise centerpiece.The Blackhawks' future rests on locking up young star Connor Bedard to a long-term deal and naming him the team's new captain.Chicago Today

The Chicago Blackhawks are making Connor Bedard's contract extension a top priority this offseason, with the team also expected to name the young star as their new captain. While the financial details and length of the deal remain to be determined, the Blackhawks are focused on locking up their franchise centerpiece as they look to return to contention.

Why it matters

Bedard is considered one of the NHL's rising young talents, and securing him long-term is crucial for the Blackhawks as they aim to rebuild and recapture past success. Naming him captain would solidify his status as the team's leader on and off the ice.

The details

The Blackhawks are eager to get a new contract done with Bedard, who is entering the final year of his entry-level deal. While the specifics of the extension are still being negotiated, the team is expected to make Bedard one of the league's highest-paid young players. In addition, the organization plans to officially name Bedard as the team's new captain, cementing his role as the face of the franchise.

  • Bedard is entering the final year of his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.
  • The Blackhawks are expected to name Bedard as the team's new captain in the coming weeks.

The players

Connor Bedard

A highly touted 20-year-old center who is considered one of the NHL's top young talents and is expected to be named the new captain of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Chicago Blackhawks

An NHL franchise based in Chicago, Illinois that is focused on rebuilding around Connor Bedard and securing him to a long-term contract extension this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“At the end of the day, we've got to start winning.”

— Connor Bedard

What’s next

The Blackhawks are expected to finalize Bedard's contract extension in the coming weeks, with an announcement on his captaincy likely to follow shortly after.

The takeaway

Securing Connor Bedard to a long-term deal is a crucial first step for the Blackhawks as they look to rebuild and return to contention in the NHL. Naming the young star as captain further solidifies his status as the franchise's centerpiece for the future.