The Chicago Blackhawks' star center Connor Bedard is entering the final year of his three year, $2,850,000 contract and all eyes would be on his contract extension with the team. Bedard has made his feelings crystal clear on the matter.
What did Connor Bedard say about his contract extension?
When he was asked whether he has been in talks with the Chicago Blackhawks about his extension, which he can sign as soon as July 1, Bedard gave his honest opinion.
I'll keep that pretty close to my chest, Bedard told The Athletic's Mark Lazerus. We have a great relationship and everyone knows I want to be a Hawk as long as I'm playing. And I know they appreciate me and want me with the team.
Bedard isn't worried about when an extension gets done, whether it's next week, during the season or even after it ends.
Anything can happen, but the relationship with me and the team is really strong.
At just 19-years-old, Bedard is already a seasoned NHL player. He has played 82 games in his sophomore season.
I don’t know about being a veteran. But getting the full 82 games last year really gives you an idea of everything you need to do to be your best, he added.
Not just this, he even added that when he entered the league, he had no clue how things used to work. But, after a couple of years, he feels that he has learned about the league and the schedule. Connor Bedard has notched up 23 goals and 67 points in 82 games this season.
Connor Bedard on his sophomore NHL season
Connor Bedard mentioned that there were some kind of inconsistencies in his game throughout the season. He went through goal droughts, which included 12 games without a goal in the month of November and then eight games without a goal late in the season.
Bedard reflected on the ups and downs during his second NHL season.
There were some gaps in my game for a couple stretches of the season. I just thought there were a couple times in the year where I wasn't feeling my best, and obviously, that's on me to do the right things.
Moving forward, the only thing that Connor Bedard wants to focus is on finding consistency and then maintaining it throughout the season.