The Blackhawks have been signalling that they're ready to transition into the next phase of their rebuild, and all of general manager Kyle Davidson's moves support that. With the recent signing of Connor Bedard to a five year, $15 million contract, the needle moves further. This move comes as an expected move from the Blackhawks, as they continue their saga following Bedard as their franchise player.
Bedard recently faced a few setbacks in his career, undergoing surgery to repair his shoulder after a freak accident during summer practices. It's now being reported that Bedard is expected to miss the first two months of the season, and that includes all of the lead up with preseason hockey as well.
The commitment goes far beyond this season
Missing the first two months is disappointing for everyone involved. Bedard himself wants to be on the ice, the organization wants to see him playing, and the fans want to go see their young star player. Obviously we all wish this hadn't happened. But if an injury happened, at least its one that comes with no other implications or tails. It's an injury that's manageable, it happened during the offseason, and he's not going to miss more than he has to.
If there was any question about it, they've been erased now. Bedard is the franchise player, through and through. The remainder of Davidson's tenure in Chicago will be centered around Bedard, and the mission is clear. It always has been. With the additions that Davidson has provided this offseason in Bowen Byram and others, the Blackhawks have a clear goal at the end of the tunnel.
It's even possible that the Blackhawks may be bringing back a familiar and legendary face. Should Kane return to Chicago, it could certainly alleviate some of the tension created by Bedard's injury.
Connor Bedard's extension doesn't guarantee championships, but it reinforces the direction the Blackhawks have been working toward since drafting him first overall. With their franchise cornerstone committed for the next five years, the focus now shifts from building for tomorrow to proving that tomorrow is finally within reach.
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