Connor Bedard

Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard has agreed to a $75 million, five-year contract, completing a major offseason goal for the team. Bedard, who turned 21, had been a restricted free agent.

Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard underwent shoulder surgery, with a four-month recovery expected, as announced by the team.

The Blackhawks re-signed prospect goalie Drew Commesso to a two-year contract with an $875,000 salary-cap hit. Commesso, who earned his first NHL wins in 2026, will compete with Arvid Soderblom for the backup role, while Connor Bedard, Kevin Korchinski, and Ethan Del Mastro remain as restricted free agents.

Connor Bedard's contract negotiations with the Blackhawks could be impacted by Leo Carlsson's $18 million offer sheet from the Flyers. Carlsson's move disrupts the market for restricted free agents, creating uncertainty for Bedard's availability due to a recent shoulder injury and contract dynamics.

Blackhawks' Connor Bedard sustained an apparent left shoulder injury during a skating session in Vancouver, mirroring a prior right shoulder injury. The incident could disrupt his offseason training and raise long-term concerns. Bedard remains without a contract as a restricted free agent, with his agent yet to respond.

The Chicago Blackhawks have not acquired an established first-line winger to support Connor Bedard despite fan frustration and skepticism. General Manager Kyle Davidson signed defenseman Bowen Byram instead, while Russian rookie Roman Kantserov may fill the role but remains unproven. Davidson emphasized a build-from-within approach, citing trial-and-error player combinations.

The Chicago Blackhawks extended qualifying offers to four restricted free agents, including forward Connor Bedard, defensemen Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro, and goalie Drew Commesso. Two other RFAs, Dmitri Kuzmin and Ryan Mast, did not receive offers. Bedard's contract negotiations are ongoing, with an expected salary cap hit between $13-16 million, while the other three players are likely to sign short-term contracts.

The Chicago Blackhawks prioritize Connor Bedard's contract during the offseason while considering draft strategies, including the No. 4 overall pick and potential trades for immediate impact players. General manager Kyle Davidson aims to upgrade the young roster, with possible buyout decisions for Andre Burakovsky and a focus on defensemen in later rounds.