Connor Bedard's Next Deal: All Eyes on Chicago

Connor Bedard, the rising star for the Chicago Blackhawks, is unfazed by speculation surrounding his upcoming contract, which is due for the 2026-27 season. He asserts his focus remains solely on playing, deferring any financial discussions. Experts, however, are actively analyzing his potential next deal, projecting an annual value between $10 million and $11 million, comparable to other recent high-profile young players like Logan Cooley. This projection considers Bedard's impressive performance and his increasing value to the team.

The Blackhawks, under General Manager Kyle Davidson, are in a strong financial position due to a projected increasing salary cap and their deliberate strategy of building through draft picks. The team currently has substantial cap space, which will be crucial for retaining their numerous young talents. This flexibility allows Davidson to manage the roster effectively and meet the cap floor requirements, even as new contracts for promising players are finalized.