Blackhawks’ Bedard Presser: Contract extension and summer headlines – Hockey Writers – Chicago Blackhawks

“A very good present, for sure.”

Connor Bedard had an amazing week. He turned 21, and on July 18, after his birthday, the Chicago Blackhawks announced that they had signed him to a five-year, $15M AAV extension.

He met with the media on Zoom on July 20 to discuss it all.

On Extension of Contract

Bedard’s extension became a big deal when he became eligible to sign in the summer of 2025. The noise got louder this summer when he needed a new contract. But for Bedard, he didn’t sweat it.

“I’m not going to say the weight or anything. Obviously, it’s a relief and it’s good that I did it for myself and the team… Yeah, no, I don’t think there was any pressure involved in it. You know, I think we both knew it wasn’t going to take a lot of phone calls or meetings to get it done. So, obviously, I’m very happy to do it, though.”

The love of the group always came first and,

“I’ve said it a lot, and it’s not a lie. Chicago is the only place I want to play, and just seeing the growth of our young guys and how good a team we are, you know, in the room and how strong, how much fun we have; I’m very happy to get this deal and focus on the team, and (I’m coming back) and I’m going to be happy.”

Injury Update

Aside from the contract, another important concern for Bedard is that he underwent surgery on his left shoulder on July 8 and is expected to miss four months.

But the good news, according to Bedard, is that the recovery is going well.

“Yeah, it feels great. Obviously, it’s about two weeks from surgery now, and yeah, just grinding, I’m doing everything I can to hopefully make it as good and as quick as possible. But obviously, it’s still early, but it feels great. So it’s kind of day-to-day.”

The Joy of New Additions

The Blackhawks made some notable additions to their roster for next season, including adding defensemen Bowen Byram and Ian Cole, as well as forwards Cole Smith and Jordan Greenway.

Bedard was happy with the move of the season and was highly praised by Byram,

“I think we had a great summer. Obviously, getting Bo, you know … he’s going to be one of the best guys in the league, and he’s always shown that. But, you know, playing behind Cale (Makar) and (Rasmus) Dahlin … the most talented players in the league, and his motivation to prove that is unbelievable, and his excitement to have us on the team is great and obviously, getting Ian and Cole in free agency … We’ve added a lot of pieces that help our team and make us better.

The Blackhawks envision Byram lifting their defense, and their team as a whole, and Bedard feels the same way. He’s also excited about what the additions of Cole, Smith, and Greenway can bring.

When Bedard was asked by the players if he was one of the first guys to reach out to them and take that role, Bedard said,

“I don’t know if I see it as a role. I think a lot of guys have reached out to everybody, and you know, like I said, we’re a close-knit group. We’re a family, and now they’re part of that. I think Ian Cole has probably done more checks on me than anybody in my life. But now he’s a teammate, and it’s a good thing that we’re going to play together, which I’m going to hold in hockey. I’m just happy to add those guys and they’re going to be teammates now, and they’re going to help us a lot.”

Maybe Playing With Kane?

Chris Chelios made an appearance 104.3 PointsChicago radio show, July 15. He revealed about Patrick Kane possibly returning to the Blackhawks, who is a free agent, “I am not gonna lie to you guys, it is down to Buffalo and Chicago. I know that.”

Bedard was asked about playing with Kane,

“I hope so. I don’t know what I can say to make his decision. But, obviously, we would all be very happy to have a player like that, but also a guy like that. I can’t imagine his first game back at UC. The reaction he would get, and how much juice he would bring not only to our team, but to our fans. And to be able to play with him, to learn from him, to be able to play with him. I hope he decides to come back… And he talks about the nature of it, but as a team, it can make us a team the best I don’t know if this is the best platform, but I hope you will come back, and we can play together, for sure.

Bedard once sported a WHL playoff mullet, inspired by Kane, and said in 2024, “I’ve watched all his mixtapes about 100 times, so I appreciate that” when discussing the video Kane would receive upon his return to the United Center.

Therefore, Bedard’s response to the prospect of playing with him is not surprising.

It would be fun to see the city with the team.

The Blackhawks “Family”

The Blackhawks talked about being a close team all last season, and it was a point of emphasis at media availability, too.

“A lot of us talk all the time. Lardy (Nick Lardis) was in town this week. I got to hang out with him and see him. But I think we’re a very close group, and we’ve been talking openly all summer, and everybody’s just talking about how we’re willing to go back, and have guys and start over, get the same job, and you know the same thing as us… there’s just a lot to relate to so it’s a lot of fun, and we support each other well, and when you get that kind of camaraderie together and the family aspect, it makes it a lot more fun to play hockey.”

Bedard’s words have always been strong. He has always made it known that he wants to stay in Chicago. Also, that he loves his teammates and was looking forward to building a team with them. He continued to want to win in Chicago, and that was brought up again.

“I’m not 100 percent sure of what I’ll be doing at that time [to start the season]. I mean, I’ll be skiing, I guess. But to be there every day, to be in the gym, to grind, and like I said, I’m going to do everything I can to make this as fast as possible, and do it as well as possible. But I know the guys are going to go into camp and the start of the season and do well, and I’m excited to watch that and finally join them, and just go back to the battle every day with them; which is what I want to do in my life.. just go out and try to help us win games.”

Bedard is where he wants to be, and that has always been evident. And that insatiable hunger to play and win, of course.