BLACKHAWKS

How Blackhawks rookie Anton Frondell is preparing to play center in the NHL (Sun-Times)

Blackhawks news and notes: Bowen Byram scouting report, intriguing prospects, cap space (Athletic)

‘Showtime’ returns: Patrick Kane is back and BreakingT has the shirts to celebrate it (SCH)

What are the Blackhawks getting with No. 66 overall pick Samu Alalauri? (SCH)

Why Blackhawks prospect Xavier Villeneuve might be a future star — or might be a bust (Sun-Times)

How Blackhawks rookie Roman Kantaserov is preparing for the NHL: “I can do this” (Sun-Times)

How Levshunov is embracing Chicago and committing to his next step (Athletic)

How Patrick Kane fared since leaving Chicago and what to expect with his return (SCH)

Forecasting Blackhawks’ lines with Kane and Byram — but without Bedard (Sun-Times)

Patrick Kane is back with the Blackhawks (SCH) (Sun-Times) (Sun-Times II) (Tribune) (Athletic) (Athletic II) (Athletic III)

What are the Blackhawks getting with No. 35 overall pick Ryan Roobroeck? (SCH)

Blackhawks, Bedard agree to contract extension (SCH) (Sun-Times) (Athletic)

Bedard’s agent spells out contract talks with Blackhawks, decision on shoulder surgery (Sun-Times)

Blackhawks release full 2026-27 regular season schedule (SCH) (Sun-Times) (Tribune) (Athletic)

What are the Blackhawks getting in No. 34 overall pick Xavier Villeneuve? (SCH)

What perception becomes reality? (SCH)

NHL NEWS

2026-27 NHL Free Agent Tracker (NHL)

The NHL fan experience is changing: 20,000 fans weigh in on streaming, radio and more (Athletic)

Kopitar’s No. 11 to be retired by Kings this season (NHL)

Duchene keeping faith in Stars, Nill after early exit (NHL)

Pens sign Koivunen to 8-year deal worth $32M (ESPN)

Sharks reward Graf’s breakout with 3-year deal (ESPN)

Penguins sign Novak to 3-year contract extension (ESPN)

Celebrini signs for 5 years, $18.8M AAV with Sharks (NHL)

Complete sellout WWE star CM Punk honors North Stars in Minnesota (NHL)

Sillinger signs with Blue Jackets, avoids arbitration (NHL)

Canada projected roster for 2027 NHL All-Star Game (NHL)

Penguins sign Kuzmenko in hopes of replacing Mantha’s production (NHL)

Graves signs 3-year deal with Columbus, avoids hearing (NHL)

Schaefer “in no rush” to become next Islanders captain (NHL)

Tortorella let down by Vegas call after Final run (ESPN)

HOCKEY WORLD

Swedish team rescinds Foote deal amid fan uproar (ESPN)

IIHF bars Russia from 4 tournaments in 2027 (ESPN)

Goldeneyes GM steps down to fill head coach job (ESPN)

Women’s hockey players take part in NHL development camp as coaches and players (The Ice Garden)

Click here to check out the shirt for yourself at the BreakingT website or scroll down a little further to get a closer look at the red version of the shirt available. The BreakingT has red and black versions available, and several different versions of the product (women’s V-Neck, hoodie, and youth sizes!) are available as well.

And if that doesn’t work, BreakingT has several other Patrick Kane-themed products — thanks to its official NHLPA license — available for you to acquire with training camp on its way to us before we know it!

BLACKHAWKS

Why Blackhawks prospect Xavier Villeneuv might be a future star — or might be a bust (Sun-Times)

How Blackhawks rookie Roman Kantaserov is preparing for the NHL: “I can do this” (Sun-Times)

How Levshunov is embracing Chicago and committing to his next step (Athletic)

How Patrick Kane fared since leaving Chicago and what to expect with his return (SCH)

Forecasting Blackhawks’ lines with Kane and Byram — but without Bedard (Sun-Times)

Patrick Kane is back with the Blackhawks (SCH) (Sun-Times) (Sun-Times II) (Tribune) (Athletic) (Athletic II) (Athletic III)

What are the Blackhawks getting with No. 35 overall pick Ryan Roobroeck? (SCH)

Blackhawks, Bedard agree to contract extension (SCH) (Sun-Times) (Athletic)

Bedard’s agent spells out contract talks with Blackhawks, decision on shoulder surgery (Sun-Times)

Blackhawks release full 2026-27 regular season schedule (SCH) (Sun-Times) (Tribune) (Athletic)

What are the Blackhawks getting in No. 34 overall pick Xavier Villeneuve? (SCH)

What perception becomes reality? (SCH)

With football behind him, Blackhawks prospect Mason West ready for hockey career to flourish (Athletic)

Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson proving he’s willing to defy analytics to bet big on a hunch (Sun-Times)

Musings on Madison, Episode 214 — Bedard’s gone till November (SCH)

Projecting the 2026-27 Blackhawks roster — with and without injured Connor Bedard (Athletic)

Blackhawks provide medical update on Connor Bedard (SCH) (Sun-Times) (Tribune) (Athletic)

NHL NEWS

2026-27 NHL Free Agent Tracker (NHL)

Sharks reward Graf’s breakout with 3-year deal (ESPN)

Penguins sign Novak to 3-year contract extension (ESPN)

Celebrini signs for 5 years, $18.8M AAV with Sharks (NHL)

Complete sellout WWE star CM Punk honors North Stars in Minnesota (NHL)

Sillinger signs with Blue Jackets, avoids arbitration (NHL)

Canada projected roster for 2027 NHL All-Star Game (NHL)

Penguins sign Kuzmenko in hopes of replacing Mantha’s production (NHL)

Graves signs 3-year deal with Columbus, avoids hearing (NHL)

Schaefer “in no rush” to become next Islanders captain (NHL)

Tortorella let down by Vegas call after Final run (ESPN)

Granato moves into adviser role with Canucks (ESPN)

Stars still eye long-term deal with Robertson (ESPN)

Devils sign Mantha, trade for Rodrigues, Boqvist to load up on forward depth (NHL)

Wild acquire 2-time Cup champion Coleman (NHL)

Must-see games on 2026-27 NHL schedule (NHL)

HOCKEY WORLD

Swedish team rescinds Foote deal amid fan uproar (ESPN)

IIHF bars Russia from 4 tournaments in 2027 (ESPN)

Goldeneyes GM steps down to fill head coach job (ESPN)

Women’s hockey players take part in NHL development camp as coaches and players (The Ice Garden)

Hayley Scamurra looks ahead to Las Vegas (The Ice Garden)

Who are the top PWHL free agents still available? Part II (The Ice Garden)

BLACKHAWKS

How Patrick Kane fared since leaving Chicago and what to expect with his return (SCH)

Forecasting Blackhawks’ lines with Kane and Byram — but without Bedard (Sun-Times)

Patrick Kane is back with the Blackhawks (SCH) (Sun-Times) (Sun-Times II) (Tribune) (Athletic) (Athletic II) (Athletic III)

What are the Blackhawks getting with No. 35 overall pick Ryan Roobroeck? (SCH)

Blackhawks, Bedard agree to contract extension (SCH) (Sun-Times) (Athletic)

Bedard’s agent spells out contract talks with Blackhawks, decision on shoulder surgery (Sun-Times)

Blackhawks release full 2026-27 regular season schedule (SCH) (Sun-Times) (Tribune) (Athletic)

What are the Blackhawks getting in No. 34 overall pick Xavier Villeneuve? (SCH)

What perception becomes reality? (SCH)

With football behind him, Blackhawks prospect Mason West ready for hockey career to flourish (Athletic)

Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson proving he’s willing to defy analytics to bet big on a hunch (Sun-Times)

Musings on Madison, Episode 214 — Bedard’s gone till November (SCH)

Projecting the 2026-27 Blackhawks roster — with and without injured Connor Bedard (Athletic)

Blackhawks provide medical update on Connor Bedard (SCH) (Sun-Times) (Tribune) (Athletic)

Blackhawks re-sign prospect goalie Drew Commesso to two-year contract (Sun-Times) (Tribune)

Articles about Bedard’s practice injury (Sun-Times) (Athletic)

Blackhawks prospect updates: Vaclav Nestrasil continues rise toward top of pool (Sun-Times)

How Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard negotiations could be affected by Leo Carlsson’s offer sheet (Sun-Times)

NHL NEWS

2026-27 NHL Free Agent Tracker (NHL)

Sillinger signs with Blue Jackets, avoids arbitration (NHL)

Canada projected roster for 2027 NHL All-Star Game (NHL)

Penguins sign Kuzmenko in hopes of replacing Mantha’s production (NHL)

Graves signs 3-year deal with Columbus, avoids hearing (NHL)

Schaefer “in no rush” to become next Islanders captain (NHL)

Tortorella let down by Vegas call after Final run (ESPN)

Granato moves into adviser role with Canucks (ESPN)

Stars still eye long-term deal with Robertson (ESPN)

Devils sign Mantha, trade for Rodrigues, Boqvist to load up on forward depth (NHL)

Wild acquire 2-time Cup champion Coleman (NHL)

Must-see games on 2026-27 NHL schedule (NHL)

Flyers, Drysdale agree to 4-year, $26 million deal (ESPN)

Expanded NHL season turns up heat on rivalries (ESPN)

Blues sign F McMichael to 6-year, $40.5M deal (ESPN)

Franchise legend Yzerman out as Red Wings GM (ESPN)

Source: Jets, Perfetti agree to 5-year, $30M deal (ESPN)

Zegras re-signs, now Flyers’ highest-paid player (ESPN)

Report: Stars F Robertson gets July 25 hearing as arbitration dates set (TSN)

C. Dach signs 2-year contract with Oilers (NHL)

Trocheck, Lee see “a lot of potential” with Mammoth” (NHL)

Boldy marks ball with gold medal at American Century (NHL)

HOCKEY WORLD

Women’s hockey players take part in NHL development camp as coaches and players (The Ice Garden)

Hayley Scamurra looks ahead to Las Vegas (The Ice Garden)

Who are the top PWHL free agents still available? Part II (The Ice Garden)

Instead, let’s explore this thought: what version of Kane did the Blackhawks sign on Thursday morning?

No one visiting this site needs a summary of what Kane did during his first Chicago stint. But with his 38th birthday arriving in November, Kane’s not the player he was during those prime seasons he enjoyed with Chicago. Still, he did have 57 points (16 G, 41 A) in 67 games last season with Detroit, which is about a 71-point pace over a full 84-game season (that’s right: we’re up to 84 games now). He also had 47 points (20 G, 27 A) in 50 games during the 2023-24 season and 59 (21 G, 38 A) in 72 games during the 2024-25 season. Optimists will point to the collective 0.86 point-per-game pace over the last three seasons, a rate only Connor Bedard has surpassed in Chicago during the last three Blackhawks seasons. Pessimists will note the games missed to injuries over the last few seasons.

Those injuries have been largely different from the hip injuries that affected Kane towards the end of his Chicago tenure, and he underwent hip resurfacing surgery in June 2023, an operation that’s typically meant the end of a hockey career. But, this March 2025 article from the NHL website includes a quote from Kane regarding his progress in the years since, suggesting he’s knows the extra care required of those hips to keep him on the ice:

“It’s less treatment, more stuff in the gym, more working on being more fluid and explosive,” Kane said. “I’ve still got to take care of it and do what you need to do, but it’s just like anyone else with their body, right? It definitely feels like my own now, and it feels like it’s part of me.”

And Kane did appear to get better as his time in Detroit continued. The three player cards below are from Corey Sznajder’s All Three Zones project, presented in chronological order, starting in 2023-24. Watch the blue lines really take hold in the offense-related sections at the top of the cards by the 2025-26 season.

One particular concern from this corner of the internet has been that Kane’s production was becoming over-reliant on power-play time to keep his numbers at a worthwhile level. However, that may be a touch overstated. The percentage of Kane’s points coming on the power play has steadily increased over the last decade, as indicated by the data below, split into three season chunks of his time in Detroit, his last three seasons in Chicago (ignoring that weird NY stint) and the three seasons before that:

But that increased percentage from the power play could just be the result of Kane seeing less ice time at 5-on-5, as his overall average ice time in Detroit was just 17:59, when he was at 19:57 during the 2022-23 season with Chicago and over 21 minutes in the four seasons before that. When you focus on the rates of production for Kane at 5-on-5, there’s an almost shocking lack of decline from Kane.

Below is the Natural Stat Trick data from Kane’s last nine seasons:

Natural Stat Trick isn’t the only place suggesting Kane’s game hasn’t slipped as much as one might expect in the years since he left town and had more time to recover from that significant 2023 operation:

Patrick Kane (2x8m deal with Chicago) has (mostly) bounced back from the injury issues that had him seemingly knocked out of relevance; is extremely good at passing the puck to someone who will score. Weak defensively, a good finisher, doesn't create offence anymore.

[image or embed]

— Micah McCurdy (@hockeyviz.com) July 23, 2026 at 8:19 AM

One fair question to ask, though, is whether or not Kane can continue to produce at a similar rate on a team that’s been downright dreadful at possessing the puck over the last few seasons. Kane’s never been the greatest driver of possession in his career, but his skills have typically over-performed those deficiencies because he doesn’t need a ton of possession to make things happen — especially off the rush. Detroit wasn’t a great possession team last season, either, finishing 21st in quantity (48.81 percent shot attempt share) and 21st in quality (49.19 percent expected goal share). But the Hawks were much worse at 30th (45.60) and 32nd (42.25), respectively, in those categories last season. Kane looks like he can still do a lot of things with the puck but is that going to matter if he never gets the puck at the end of the ice where he can do them? Guess that’ll be something we learn in a few months.

On the ice, this seems to make more and more sense for the Hawks. Although the story with Kane was never solely about the on-ice matters, was it? For some, this means nothing — and good for them. But there are others who viewed the departures of Toews and Kane three years ago as the closing of one extremely difficult chapter and Bedard’s arrival that summer as the start of a new one, free from the burdens associated with this team’s recent past — a portion of that being Kane’s own doing and another portion of it that was not. And now we’re staring back at that part of the book all over again, wondering how to reconcile that with our fandom yet again. That, too, is going to be an ongoing process.

The $8 million AAV is of no concern because the Hawks are still lightyears away any sort of realistic salary cap concerns. A two-year deal is probably not going to be a problem in any way, either, even if Father Time decides next week that he’d like to remind Kane of his existence. The Blackhawks are still going to need more answers for the questions about their team’s forward depth in the future, but they may have found a stopgap measure for the short term with this (re?) acquisition.

two more years of S H O W T I M E 🍿 pic.twitter.com/ZTc6Xhi3ef

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 23, 2026

It’s a two-year contract worth $8 million annually. Per just about every team beat reporter online, Kane’s contract also carries a full no-movement clause.

Full NMC for Patrick Kane.

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) July 23, 2026

Kane had played his entire career with Chicago until the 2023 trade deadline, when he was traded to the New York Rangers as part of a three-team deal that brough the Blackhawks the fourth-round pick that became Parker Holmes and the second-round pick that became Martin Misiak. That tenure in Chicago lasted for 16 seasons, with a slew of accolades that likely don’t need to be detailed to anyone who visits this website.

For the past three seasons, he’s been skating with the Red Wings, picking up 163 points (57 G, 106 A) across 189 games, proving that he’s still a solid contributor despite his 38th birthday approaching in November. He spent the majority of that time in Detroit skating opposite fellow former Blackhawk Alex DeBrincat, and now it appears Kane is slated for at least some ice time with the team’s next prodigy: Connor Bedard.

More to come on this.

BLACKHAWKS

Blackhawks, Bedard agree to contract extension (SCH) (Sun-Times) (Athletic)

Bedard’s agent spells out contract talks with Blackhawks, decision on shoulder surgery (Sun-Times)

Blackhawks release full 2026-27 regular season schedule (SCH) (Sun-Times) (Tribune) (Athletic)

What are the Blackhawks getting in No. 34 overall pick Xavier Villeneuve? (SCH)

What perception becomes reality? (SCH)

With football behind him, Blackhawks prospect Mason West ready for hockey career to flourish (Athletic)

Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson proving he’s willing to defy analytics to bet big on a hunch (Sun-Times)

Musings on Madison, Episode 214 — Bedard’s gone till November (SCH)

Projecting the 2026-27 Blackhawks roster — with and without injured Connor Bedard (Athletic)

Blackhawks provide medical update on Connor Bedard (SCH) (Sun-Times) (Tribune) (Athletic)

Blackhawks re-sign prospect goalie Drew Commesso to two-year contract (Sun-Times) (Tribune)

Articles about Bedard’s practice injury (Sun-Times) (Athletic)

Blackhawks prospect updates: Vaclav Nestrasil continues rise toward top of pool (Sun-Times)

How Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard negotiations could be affected by Leo Carlsson’s offer sheet (Sun-Times)

Why does gaping hole remain in Blackhawks’ lineup next to Connor Bedard? (Sun-Times)

Blackhawks, Byram agree to contract extension (SCH) (Sun-Times) (Tribune) (Athletic)

Blackhawks sign forward Cole Smith (SCH) (Sun-Times)

Blackhawks sign defenseman Ian Cole (SCH) (Athletic)

Musings on Madison, Episode 213 — Reactions to the Byram trade and the Blackhawks’ draft picks (SCH)

NHL NEWS

2025-26 NHL Trade Tracker (NHL)

2026-27 NHL Free Agent Tracker (NHL)

Devils sign Mantha, trade for Rodrigues, Boqvist to load up on forward depth (NHL)

Wild acquire 2-time Cup champion Coleman (NHL)

Must-see games on 2026-27 NHL schedule (NHL)

Flyers, Drysdale agree to 4-year, $26 million deal (ESPN)

Expanded NHL season turns up heat on rivalries (ESPN)

Blues sign F McMichael to 6-year, $40.5M deal (ESPN)

Franchise legend Yzerman out as Red Wings GM (ESPN)

Source: Jets, Perfetti agree to 5-year, $30M deal (ESPN)

Zegras re-signs, now Flyers’ highest-paid player (ESPN)

Report: Stars F Robertson gets July 25 hearing as arbitration dates set (TSN)

C. Dach signs 2-year contract with Oilers (NHL)

Trocheck, Lee see “a lot of potential” with Mammoth” (NHL)

Boldy marks ball with gold medal at American Century (NHL)

Canucks hire four assistant coaches (Sportsnet)

What is the best free-agency fit for Patrick Kane? (Athletic)

Ducks match Carlsson 5-year, $90 million offer sheet (NHL)

Leafs fire Wickenheiser amid front office purge (ESPN)

Mammoth match Hayton offer sheet from Devils (NHL)

Kane, Mantha top list of remaining free agents (NHL)

Isles launch fan design contest for third jersey (ESPN)

Giroux signs one-year contract with Senators (NHL)

Alfredsson hired by Maple Leafs as associate coach (NHL)

HOCKEY WORLD

Women’s hockey players take part in NHL development camp as coaches and players (The Ice Garden)

Hayley Scamurra looks ahead to Las Vegas (The Ice Garden)

Who are the top PWHL free agents still available? Part II (The Ice Garden)

𝐄 𝐗 𝐓 𝐄 𝐍 𝐃 𝐄 𝐃 🏠

from draft night to his first goal on UC ice and every moment in between, here’s to 𝟓 more years of 𝟗𝟖 in Chicago ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Cvad2ECxbC

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 18, 2026

The deal makes Bedard one of the highest-paid players in the NHL and runs through the 2031-32 season. It also includes a full no-move clause in the final year of the deal. For a full breakdown of the deal, see below:

The #Blackhawks signed 21 y/o F Connor Bedard to a 5 year $15M cap hit contract

Yr 1: $7.2M Salary, $9.8M Signing Bonus
Yr 2: $6.2M/$9.8M
Yr 3: $5.2M/$9.8M
Yr 4: $4.2M/$9.8M
Yr 5: $3.2M/$9.8M

Full NMC in Yr 5, deal covers 1 UFA season

Rep’d by Greg Landry @TheHockeyAgency…

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 18, 2026

While there was never much doubt that the two sides would eventually reach an agreement, the timing and structure of the contract had become one of the biggest storylines of the offseason, especially after Bedard underwent shoulder surgery following an offseason training injury and left his availability for the start of the season in question. Now, with the season just a few months away, the Blackhawks can move forward knowing their franchise centerpiece is locked in for many years to come.

Here is Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson’s statement on the signing:

“Connor has continuously defied our expectations since being drafted, and has quickly established himself as an elite player in the NHL. He utilizes all aspects of his game to not only be a constant threat, but to make the players around him better every time he steps on the ice. Connor’s strong work ethic and determination to always improve his game has set an extraordinary standard for our young core, and we’re excited for the incredible impact he’ll have in this next chapter of Blackhawks hockey.”

Bedard has more than justified the hype that came with being selected first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. Through his first three NHL seasons, Bedard has already established himself as one of the league’s premier young stars with his points totaling 203 points (75 G, 128 A) in 219 career games. He is the first player in Blackhawks franchise history and 13th player in NHL history to reach the 200-point mark before turning 21. Of course, his impressive resume started immediately upon, as he captured the Calder Trophy in 2023-24 after leading all NHL rookies with 22 goals and 61 points.

The 21-year-old is coming off the best season of his young career, setting new career highs with 30 goals, 45 assists and 75 points in just 69 games. He led the Blackhawks in assists, points and game-winning goals while finishing second on the team in goals. His breakout campaign also earned him NHL Third Star of the Month honors in November after recording 23 points (10 G, 13 A) in 14 games. Bedard’s 30-goal season also placed him in elite company, becoming just the third player in franchise history to score at least 30 goals at age 20 or younger, joining Jonathan Toews and Eric Daze.

Bedard on the board 📈

👏 career highs in goals (30), assists (45) and points (75) in 69 games
👏 led all Chicago skaters with 45 assists, 75 points and five game-winning goals, while ranking second with 30 goals
👏 became the third Blackhawks player to record a 30-goal season… pic.twitter.com/2syRPA6cUH

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) May 7, 2026

with last night's goal, Connor Bedard takes the top spot for 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 🏆

congrats, 98 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9AG7NXexHV

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) January 30, 2026

His success hasn’t been limited to the NHL, either: Bedard has also excelled on the international stage, helping Canada win back-to-back gold medals at the 2022 and 2023 World Junior Championships. He rewrote the tournament record book during the 2023 event with 23 points (9 G, 14 A) in seven games, earning tournament MVP honors before later being named the IIHF Male Player of the Year. He also represented Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, recording eight points (5 G, 3 A) in 10 games.

Once Connor Bedard learns how to play without the puck, it's over for everyone.

Upside is still enormous and he flashed it to start last season before injury. It wouldn't be a shock to see him become worth $15M during this deal, but for now he's still a work in progress. pic.twitter.com/ZUL8Er6Di6

— dom 📈 (@domluszczyszyn) July 18, 2026

While the most important takeaway is that the Blackhawks have their franchise cornerstone locked up for the foreseeable future, the one aspect of the deal that will generate some debate is the term.

Because it’s a five-year extension rather than the more desired seven or eight years, Bedard will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the contract. That’s a good outcome for the player, giving him another opportunity to cash in at a relatively young age. From the team’s perspective, however, it also means Chicago gave up some potential UFA seasons that longer-term deals are traditionally designed to buy.

However, let’s be clear: the market seems to have changed when it comes to contracts right now. With the wildly rising cap resurfacing the contract landscape, seven- and eight-year extensions for elite young restricted free agents haven’t been nearly as automatic as they once were. The only emerging superstar to sign an eight-year extension this past season was Ivan Demidov with the Montreal Canadiens. Zack Benson and Josh Doan, both with the Buffalo Sabres, are the only two post entry-level contract players to sign seven year deals. In comparison, last year there were about 10 young players who signed for seven or eight years at the conclusion of their ELC contract. Around the league, shorter bridge-to-prime contracts have become increasingly common as players look to maximize their earning power and flexibility later in their careers.

It’s also fair to wonder whether the league’s recent offer sheet drama played a role. The Philadelphia Flyers’ massive offer sheet to Leo Carlsson, which was ultimately matched by the Anaheim Ducks, likely had impact on conversations around young superstar contracts this summer and influenced negotiations across the NHL. Carlsson’s deal was also a five-year contract, and it’s difficult to believe that situation wasn’t fresh in the minds of both Bedard’s camp and the Blackhawks throughout negotiations.

Coincidentally, the total value matches the $75 million extension the Blackhawks gave 25-year-old defenseman Bowen Byram on July 1, although Byram’s deal is spread over six years rather than five, resulting in a lower annual cap hit.

Regardless of the term on being perfectly ideal, this is still a win for the Blackhawks. The franchise’s most important piece is under contract, uncertainty surrounding its biggest offseason question has disappeared, and the organization can continue building toward contention with Bedard leading the way. Five years from now there will undoubtedly be another expensive negotiation waiting, but that’s a problem for another day.

For now, the wait is finally over.