Connor Bedard Demands $17M Deal in Blackhawks Contract Talks

**Connor Bedard is reportedly seeking a $17 million‑per‑year contract as Chicago Blackhawks negotiations heat up, following his 75‑point breakout in the 2025‑26 season.**

Insider reports from The Fourth Period claim Bedard wants a deal that pays roughly $17 million each season. The figure mirrors the salary of Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov, a benchmark many young stars cite. Bedard’s camp has not confirmed the number, but the rumor mill is buzzing with the $17 million target.

Chicago recently locked defenseman Bowen Byram into a six‑year extension worth $12.5 million annually. General manager Kyle Davidson is said to have opened talks with Bedard in the $10‑12 million range. The gap between that opening offer and Bedard’s alleged $17 million ask suggests a significant negotiation stretch.

The 2025‑26 campaign saw Bedard tally a career‑high 75 points, bringing his NHL total to 203. Though the Blackhawks missed the playoffs that year, posting just 72 points as a team, Bedard’s individual production kept climbing each season. His performance, combined with the market value of elite centers, fuels the belief he deserves a top‑tier salary.

If the Blackhawks meet Bedard’s demand, they secure the franchise’s face for the foreseeable future and signal a commitment to rebuilding around his talent. Failing to reach an agreement could push the young star toward free agency, a scenario the organization hopes to avoid. Either way, the contract talks will shape the team’s payroll strategy heading into the 2026‑27 season.

Sources indicate discussions are ongoing as of early July 2026. With the offseason looming, both sides are expected to hammer out details before the preseason roster deadline. The timeline suggests a decision could be reached within weeks, setting the tone for Chicago’s next competitive window.