"For starters, 21-year-old Nazar signed a seven year, $6.6 million AAV contract, which is an inflated number according to some given that he played just 52 games this past season. The question is, as Seravalli poses, does that make Bedard's next salary trend downward? Sports Illustrated has estimated that Bedard could command a long-term contract similar to that of Brady Tkachuk or Wyatt Johnston, who earn $8.2 million and $8.4 million per year, respectively. On a mid-term bridge deal, that figure could increase to $9 million over the next five years."
"That would leave him hitting free agency at age 25 with a more accurate picture of his potential where he can then sign a maximum-length contract. "There's a real likelihood that Bedard is going to play this out and see how year three goes before signing that deal; there's no rush to do it from either end.""
"The Chicago Blackhawks are hinging the team's development around center Connor Bedard, but the two sides have not come to an agreement regarding a contract extension quite yet. That isn't cause for concern at this point, but GM Kyle Davidson has a long to-do list when it comes to convincing Bedard of the team's potential for success."
Chicago Blackhawks are building around center Connor Bedard while contract extension talks remain unresolved. GM Kyle Davidson must demonstrate team potential to convince Bedard to commit long-term. Two factors could shape the extension: the seven-year, $6.6 million AAV deal for 21-year-old Frank Nazar despite limited games played, and how Bedard performs in his third NHL season. Sports Illustrated projects Bedard may command long-term salaries near $8.2–$8.4 million AAV; a mid-term bridge could average about $9 million, postponing free agency until age 25 for a maximum-length contract decision. Bedard produced 23 goals and 67 points in his first full season yet faces critics questioning draft-era expectations.
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