Everybody knew it was coming. The Chicago Blackhawks have always viewed Connor Bedard as the centerpiece of their rebuild. His talent is unquestionable. He’s amassed 75 goals and 128 assists through his first three seasons with the franchise. Those numbers are right in line with what Patrick Kane produced in his first three seasons, and he was surrounded by a better team. It is hard to blame the Blackhawks for doing what they just did, handing Bedard a massive five-year extension worth $75 million.
This now makes him the third-highest paid player in the National Hockey League, trailing only Leo Carlsson and Kirill Kaprisov. Chicago never wavered in their intent to make this deal happen. Understandably so. They had no prayer of finding someone as gifted anytime soon. Still, that doesn’t change one uncomfortable reality. While the deal had to happen, it is still a massive risk the Blackhawks are taking. For all of his skill, Bedard is starting to look more and more like an injury risk.
Connor Bedard can’t hide from those shoulder issues.
Last December, he missed 12 games with an injury to his shoulder. There had always been concerns that his smaller frame (5’10” and 190 lbs) might not handle the physicality of the NHL too well. Sure enough, during a scrimmage in practice earlier this month, Bedard hit the ice hard and injured his other shoulder. This was much more severe, costing him the first month of the upcoming season. Anybody who understands medical history will know that once you suffer an injury to the shoulder, it becomes much easier to do so again.
You can bet opposing teams will look to play him more physically in the coming years, putting pressure on those shoulders. Will they hold up? Connor Bedard better hope so. His career and the Blackhawks’ future are riding on it. They’re all in now. The escape hatch is shut. If there was any second-guessing, the organization decided the risk of repeated injuries was easier to stomach than the risk of having him go somewhere else and becoming the star everybody believes he’s becoming.
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The Blackhawks’ roster construction is about to be tested.
They feel they’ve pieced together a lineup that is finally capable of making a run at the playoffs. Granted, many believe they still haven’t found a proper winger to pair with Bedard. Hence, the ongoing Kane reunion rumors. That said, the roster is young and skilled. The trick will be whether they can keep the ship afloat for the month Bedard will be out. If they do, it will be a sign that the Blackhawks are ready to compete. It has been too long waiting for the NHL to see the former #1 pick playing important hockey games.
This season will certainly tell a lot about where the organization is heading. They feel like they’re close. Bedard is a core part of that optimism. Now they don’t have to worry about losing him. Whether he earns that money will be the uncomfortable topic until he makes the All-Star team or wins a Stanley Cup.
