The Chicago Blackhawks’ season mercifully came to an end with a 4-3 win over the Ottawa Senators in front of 14,115 fans at the Canadian Tire Center. Second-year centre scored two goals and recorded an assist as the Blackhawks improved to 25-46-11.
Bedard led Chicago with 67 points this season. He scored 23 goals and added 44 assists. Bedard is eligible for a contract extension this offseason. However, he was discouraged by former NHL executive Craig Button from agreeing to a deal this summer for money and career reasons.
The Chicago Blackhawks were given a warning
“Bedard needs evidence for the Chicago Blackhawks that my signature on a long-term contract is worthy of me staying here,” Button said. “Because right now, there is nothing in Chicago that would make anybody think that staying there long-term is beneficial. That’s how I feel about the whole thing.
“This is on the Chicago Blackhawks to get it better. Salary cap going up, you know. And keep in mind that CBA, you know, doesn’t expire until September 15 of 2026, so unless they agree to a new one, the offer sheet parameters will still be in place. And I think Chicago has to be really concerned.”
Bedard has been frustrated throughout a disappointing season. He was given misconduct penalties in back-to-back games for jawing with officials.
Connor Bedard admits to looking sad
During the Blackhawks’ end-of-season press conference on Thursday, Bedard cleared the air on how he was feeling about Chicago going into the offseason. He admitted to looking “sad” at times but wants to stay with the Blackhawks.
“I’ve said it 100 times: I love it here. I want to be here for a long time,” Bedard said via Charlie Roumeliotis of WGN. “If I look a little sad on the bench, people sometimes take it out of context. People that know me know that I love being here.”
Connor Bedard with the mic drop: “I’ve said it 100 times: I love it here. I want to be here for a long time. If I look a little sad on the bench, people sometimes take it out of context. People that know me know that I love being here.” #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/zMOAfa2Lag
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 17, 2025
It’s on the Blackhawks to make sure Bedard feels that way so the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft can sign a new deal with the team sooner rather than later. Chicago needs to find a new head coach that can build around Bedard’s talent.
General manager Kyle Davidson must find premium talent that makes Bedard’s efforts worth it.
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Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard shuts down extension talk after disappointing season
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