Connor Bedard says he's committed to Blackhawks but shies away from extension talk

Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune on Apr 17, 2025

Published in Hockey

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CHICAGO — Connor Bedard faced his share of challenges in a turbulent season for the Chicago Blackhawks.

A second straight campaign left the Hawks near the bottom of the league.

Bedard went through a coaching change, a 12-game goal drought and a self-admitted crisis of confidence.

Want to sign up for more? Apparently, yes.

Bedard also played in all 82 games, reached new highs in goals (23) and assists (44) and finished strong with three goals and eight assists in the last 10 games as he bonded on the ice with Frank Nazar and other core members of the team’s future.

Bedard declared Thursday, once and for all, that he’s invested and he believes in the franchise’s direction, contrary to the narrative that he has been unhappy in Chicago.

“No,” he said, laughing. “Unless you’re in the room and around all of us, (you wouldn’t see) I’m a pretty mild-mannered guy. And if I looked a little sad on the bench or something, maybe people can take it out of context.

“I’ve said it so many times, I love being here and the city, the people. Even before I got drafted, I was embraced as one of their own. It’s a special sports town and we have a lot of great players coming up, great people. Anything can get said, I don’t really look at that. (I) don’t really see a lot of that unless someone shows me. ”

It would be understandable if he were disgruntled.

The Hawks tried to address his lack of suitable linemates in free agency, but a change in Bedard’s offensive fortunes didn’t materialize early on. It didn’t help that former coach Luke Richardson’s defensive style — and constant line changes — seemed to impede Bedard at times.

Bedard also lost a mentor in Taylor Hall and a team leader in Seth Jones, though Jones essentially jumped ship on the rebuild by requesting his trade. Management said before the season that they expected more wins than last year, but the Hawks barely improved on that front: from 23-53-6 to 25-46-11.

Yet, Bedard hasn’t soured on the Hawks.

“People who know me know I love to be here and really trust the direction we’re going,” he said. “If you get the first overall pick, you’re probably not winning the Cup the next two years. It’s an understanding of where you’re at.

“We’re in a process of growing and learning and that’s an exciting time. When you lose, it makes winning a lot sweeter once you get there, so we’re excited for that.”

That said, Bedard was noncommittal about signing an extension with the Hawks when he’s eligible after July 1. Some pundits have said he would be better off waiting; there’s likely no monetary incentive for a top-tier player coming off a rookie contract next season to sign early.

“I guess no real preference for me,” Bedard said about signing an extension. “It’s something I haven’t really put too much thought to with the season (going) and you’re playing and focusing on that.

“I’ve said it 100 times: I love it here. I have a great relationship with (general manager) Kyle (Davidson) and everyone. I don’t even know what to expect with that — you have the conversations and stuff and see — but I’m not too worried about any of that.

“Great relationship and I know I want to be here for a long time.”