Blackhawks Playing With Fire by Delaying Connor Bedard Extension

Coming into the NHL as the No. 1 overall pick and a potential generational superstar, Connor Bedard has been fantastic in his first two seasons in the league, and now, he's ready for a new deal.

This summer, Bedard officially became eligible for an extension, but according to recent reports, both the team and player are willing to wait things out until after his third season to determine the value of a new deal.

On paper, this move can only benefit Bedard, as the talented young star has improved between years 1 and 2 in the NHL, and if he takes a significant leap this year, his next deal will cost much, much more.

While there's no concern that Bedard will want out if he doesn't sign a new deal this summer, given how well he's played so far, with the improving young core around him, his next deal appears set to be very expensive, and delaying it only makes it a higher number for Chicago.

Earlier this off-season, the Blackhawks were confident locking in Frank Nazar to a long-term deal, giving Bedard some rising young talent and security around him for this roster, with the difference being that Nazar was likely overpaid to what many believe he's worth.

With Bedard, while there's now uncertainty, he's likely to be paid like a superstar on his next deal, and whether that happens this summer or next, the team are optimistic they can lock him in, with the franchise superstar likely to be paid whatever it takes to keep him as the face of the Blackhawks moving forward.