Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard talks next contract, playing for Olympic spot

Connor Bedard is in no rush to sign a contract extension, but the Chicago Blackhawks shouldn’t worry that their next face of the franchise will take his talents elsewhere.

“We’re both comfortable with where we’re at. They know I want to be there; I know they want me. So, it’s really not on my mind that much, and I just think when it happens, it’ll happen,” Bedard said at the NHL/NHLPA player media tour in Las Vegas, per NHL.com’s Nicholas J. Cotsonika.

The 20-year-old has been eligible to sign an extension since July 1 and will become a restricted free agent next summer with no new contract in place. He was coy when asked if he would put pen to paper sooner rather than later to ease the minds of Blackhawks fans.

Making just $950,000 against the cap during his entry-level contract, the burgeoning superstar seems poised for a significant pay raise.

Bedard, entering his third year as a pro, has led the Blackhawks in scoring for each of his two seasons and captured the Calder Trophy following his rookie campaign. His efforts haven’t been enough to take the Blackhawks over the hump, as the rebuilding team has missed the playoffs for the past five seasons.

But the North Vancouver native is as motivated as anyone to get off to a good start, playing both to make the post-season and to earn a roster spot on Team Canada for the Milan-Cortina Games in 2026.

“I would need to have a great start, kind of light it up a bit,” he said. “But there’s just so many great players in Canada. There’s going to be guys that play great and don’t make it. That’s just how deep it is. I mean, obviously, you had the guys at 4 Nations, and they won, and you understand that.

“I’m trying not to think about it. Just go out and play and try to play the best I can and see what happens. If I play great and don’t make it, like I said, there’s so many great players. It’s not going to be something that I would take personal or anything, but it would be special to be there, for sure.”

Bedard, as well as fellow B.C. native and youngster Macklin Celebrini, were held off Canada’s roster for February’s 4 Nations Face-Off, but each was invited to orientation camp in early September — a good indication they are on general manager Doug Armstrong’s radar for when he makes final roster decisions.

The 2023 first overall pick feels that he’s taken steps since entering the league, not only with his play on the ice but also learning how to be a professional while suiting up for all 82 games.

“I think that was so great for me just to learn. You have little gaps, and you find out, ‘How can I not have that? How can I stay consistent?’ The best players in the NHL, they’re not going to be their best every game, but they’re up there most games, so that’s something that really is going to benefit me.”

Bedard has 150 total games under his belt, notching 128 points in that time. He leads a young Blackhawks contingent looking to take the next step, consisting of Frank Nazar, Kevin Korchinski and Lukas Reichel.