Blackhawks Prioritize Connor Bedard's Contract in Key Offseason

Chicago's young star set to become team captain as franchise looks to end playoff drought

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:58pm

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The Chicago Blackhawks are making Connor Bedard's contract extension a top priority this offseason as the 20-year-old center is expected to be named the team's new captain. After finishing near the bottom of the NHL standings for three straight years, the Blackhawks are hoping Bedard can help lead them back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

Why it matters

Bedard is the Blackhawks' franchise player and locking him up long-term is crucial to the team's rebuilding efforts. With several other top prospects nearing the end of their rookie deals, Bedard's contract will shape the team's future salary cap situation and roster construction.

The details

Bedard is coming off a career-best season, setting highs with 30 goals and 45 assists in 69 games. The Blackhawks plan to make Bedard their new captain after trading away their previous leadership group at the trade deadline. General manager Kyle Davidson has made re-signing Bedard a top priority, saying 'we'll get that done, and we'll get to work soon on that.' The final contract details will impact how the Blackhawks approach their other top young players.

  • Bedard was drafted 1st overall by the Blackhawks in 2023.
  • Bedard set career highs with 30 goals and 45 assists in 69 games this past season.
  • The Blackhawks traded away their previous team captain and alternate captains at the trade deadline.

The players

Connor Bedard

A 20-year-old center who was drafted 1st overall by the Blackhawks in 2023 and is expected to be named the team's new captain.

Kyle Davidson

The Blackhawks' general manager who has made re-signing Bedard a top priority this offseason.

Jeff Blashill

The Blackhawks' head coach who is entering his second season with the team.

Ryan Donato

A Blackhawks forward who has played with Bedard and believes he is ready to be the team's captain.

Alex Vlasic

A Blackhawks defenseman who says making the playoffs is the expectation for next season.

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What they’re saying

“The end of the day, we've got to start winning. It's been a while, and I think it takes a toll on you, and you want to make that step. We talk about it all the time, but it's on us to go out there, have good summers, come back and make that leap.”

— Connor Bedard

“We'll get that done, and we'll get to work soon on that. Like I said, he's so important to our team. He took such a big step forward this year in every facet. So yeah, that's certainly an important one to cross off the list.”

— Kyle Davidson, Blackhawks General Manager

“As a guy that has played with him and been on the team since he's been here, I've seen how he's changed as a person and player, and he's shown everybody in this organization — including me — that he knows what it takes to win. He's put in the work and he's dedicated and obviously he's the franchise player. We want to make sure we play our best for him, but he wants to give his best to every guy.”

— Ryan Donato, Blackhawks Forward

“Going into next season, it's, playoffs are the expectation. We're not here to do this again. And we all know that in the locker room. We have confidence in our group.”

— Alex Vlasic, Blackhawks Defenseman

What’s next

The Blackhawks will look to finalize a long-term contract extension with Connor Bedard in the coming weeks, with the goal of having it completed before the start of next season. The team will also explore trade options and free agent signings to add more talent around their young core as they aim to end their playoff drought.

The takeaway

After years of rebuilding, the Blackhawks are pinning their hopes on Connor Bedard to lead them back to the playoffs. Locking up their franchise player long-term is the top priority this offseason, but the team will also need to make strategic moves to surround Bedard with the right supporting cast to finally take that next step as an organization.