Connor Bedard might want to think twice before rushing into a long-term deal with the Chicago Blackhawks.
The 18-year-old phenom becomes eligible for a contract extension on July 1, but NHL insider Craig Button has some pretty strong advice: wait it out.
"The Chicago Blackhawks are awful," Button didn’t mince words on the "Donnie & Dhali" show. "If I was Bedard’s agent, I wouldn’t sign him to any extension."
Bedard has been the lone bright spot for Chicago this season, leading the team with 56 points in 71 games. He’s coming off a Calder Trophy win as the NHL’s top rookie last year, when he put up 61 points in 68 games.
But the team around him? That’s another story.
The Blackhawks are stuck at the bottom of the Central Division with a painful 21-41-9 record. They’ve already been knocked out of playoff contention – again.
"There’s no benefit to signing early," Button explained. "He’ll make the same money if he waits until next July. Plus, waiting opens him up to potential offer sheets."
The young superstar’s current rookie deal runs through 2026, when he’d become a restricted free agent.
Button thinks the Blackhawks haven’t shown they can build a winning team around their 2023 No. 1 overall pick. "Right now, there’s nothing in Chicago that makes you think staying is beneficial."
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman brings up another interesting point: the next collective bargaining agreement.
"Why would anyone sign before that?" Friedman said on Sirius XM NHL Radio. "Just to see maybe if anything changes?"
A new CBA could shake things up – especially around offer sheets and salary structures. That could put Chicago in a tough spot if other teams come calling for their franchise player.
The ball’s in Bedard’s court now. But with the team struggling and potential changes on the horizon, taking his time might be the smartest play.
