Bedard and Blackhawks Talks Hit a “Fluid Delay”—What Does That Even Mean?

Connor Bedard’s next contract with the Chicago Blackhawks has yet to be finalized, and one NHL insider has described the situation as a “fluid delay.” But what exactly does that mean for the 2023 No. 1 overall pick and the team?

According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, discussions between Bedard’s camp, led by Greg Landry of Newport Sports, and Chicago started over the summer. “They spoke conceptually, which normally means there would have been some numbers thrown around. But it doesn’t sound like it got too far,” LeBrun wrote. Both sides agreed to set aside the negotiations for now, allowing Bedard to focus on his season.

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It’s a patient approach: Bedard, who turns 21 next July, is off to a blazing start with 14 points in 11 games—a pace that projects to 104 points over a full season. His advanced metrics, including improved defensive numbers, higher shooting percentage, and stronger zone entries, all look improved. Waiting to negotiate a new deal gives him leverage to potentially secure a larger contract, which is already leaning in his favor, given the deals being signed by other young stars like Logan Cooley‘s deal this week.

The Blackhawks and Bedard Need To Find The Right Fit

LeBrun notes that the Blackhawks likely want to explore a long-term deal, potentially eight years, while Bedard’s camp might push for five. Estimates suggest a five-year deal could average around $10 million per season, while a seven- or eight-year deal could top $12 million. Being that these talks are on a “fluid delay”, the hint here is that when both sides suddenly realize this needs to get done or the numbers suggest there’s some urgency here, both sides will talk again.

For Chicago, the delay also allows them to manage salary cap space while gauging what other deals being signed by young stars mean for Bedard. In some ways, those deals matter. In others, Bedard is a bit of a unicorn — a draw in the Chicago market and his deal needs to reflect that. With recent contracts like Logan Cooley’s $10 million-per-year deal setting new benchmarks, every extension in the NHL serves as a data point for what Bedard might command.

For now, the “fluid delay” means nothing is imminent—but it also means Chicago and Bedard are prepared to come back to the table and get this done.

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