Connor Bedard is set to hit restricted free agency on July 1st, and the Blackhawks are eager to bring contract negotiations to a head. Bedard has quickly proven his worth and value to Chicago, and the team is eager to lock up the 20 year old center for years to come.
The Blackhawks technically have control of Bedard through his restricted free agency period, though most teams don't wish to venture down that path. Bedard's production jump through his career has been noticeable, jumping from 61 points as a rookie, to 67 points, and finally, completing his third season with 75 points. The upward trend in goals, assists, ice time, and overall offensive responsibility is easily identifiable.
Connor Bedard is the kind of player franchises cannot mishandle
Bedard was named an alternate captain alongside Tyler Bertuzzi in March with the trading of captain Nick Foligno to the Minnesota Wild. Jeff Blashill, the Blackhawks head coach, notated at the time that the captaincy wouldn't be decided upon until the offseason. Many fans believe Bedard to be the natural next choice, but at only 20 years old with no contracted future on the team, many others ask if he's ready to shoulder the responsibility.
If the Blackhawks are smart, they should do what they must to get a deal with the young superstar done. If he's already at the center of the rebuild, he should remain there as the foundational piece. Extending his tenure now before he hits free agency is not only the classy thing to do, it's also the right thing to do. Players like Bedard don't come across your lap every offseason.
If the Blackhawks are unable to reach a deal with Bedard, and things get messy with restricted free agency, it could be a bad omen for the team in general. The team would retain leverage, yes, but the organizations focus needs to remain focused on the long term effects of their actions now. Forcing tense negotiations can cause resentment in a player.
The Blackhawks are surely doing everything they can to avoid any unnecessary friction between the two parties. The team understands that Bedard is no just another talented young player. Franchise level centers rarely become available, and when one finds one like the Blackhawks have, maintaining the relationship becomes just as important as the contract itself. If all goes well for Chicago and Bedard, ideally, the team would take one step closer to being contenders with a new contract and a new captain.
| More Blackhawks News and Rumors |
Add us as a preferred source on Google