Connor Bedard's agent spells out Blackhawks contract negotiations, shoulder surgery decision
<p>Over the last six weeks, dating back to the NHL combine in early June, the <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks?_gl=1*w5m7kx*_up*MQ..*_ga*NzI2OTI5NzcyLjE3ODQ0MzE4MTM.*_ga_K0F0MB46T8*czE3ODQ0MzE4MTMkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODQ0MzE4MTMkajYwJGwwJGgw" target="_blank" >Blackhawks</a> and Connor Bedard went back and forth on contract negotiations.</p><p>Bedard's agent, Don Meehan, laid out the process to the Sun-Times on Saturday, shortly after Bedard <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2026/07/18/connor-bedard-blackhawks-new-contract-nhl-free-agency" target="_blank" >signed a five-year deal</a> carrying a $15 million salary-cap hit.</p><p>"We had a long discussion about term," Meehan said. "There were many variables that we considered.
Reported by 2 outlets — Chicago Sun-Times, New York Post. See all sources ↓
<p>Over the last six weeks, dating back to the NHL combine in early June, the <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks?_gl=1*w5m7kx*_up*MQ..*_ga*NzI2OTI5NzcyLjE3ODQ0MzE4MTM.*_ga_K0F0MB46T8*czE3ODQ0MzE4MTMkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODQ0MzE4MTMkajYwJGwwJGgw" target="_blank" >Blackhawks</a> and Connor Bedard went back and forth on contract negotiations.</p><p>Bedard's agent, Don Meehan, laid out the process to the Sun-Times on Saturday, shortly after Bedard <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2026/07/18/connor-bedard-blackhawks-new-contract-nhl-free-agency" target="_blank" >signed a five-year deal</a> carrying a $15 million salary-cap hit.</p><p>"We had a long discussion about term," Meehan said. "There were many variables that we considered. A shorter-term deal would've put in Connor in absolute control — if it were, for example, a three-year deal — in terms of the current economic climate.</p><p>"But Chicago explained, from their point of view, that what was important to them was continuity and stability. [General manager Kyle Davidson] indicated they wanted to send a signal internally and externally.
Read the full report at Chicago Sun-Times ↗
Why it matters
2 outlets are covering this world story — one to watch as reporting develops.
- What's the story?
- <p>Over the last six weeks, dating back to the NHL combine in early June, the <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks?_gl=1*w5m7kx*_up*MQ..*_ga*NzI2OTI5NzcyLjE3ODQ0MzE4MTM.*_ga_K0F0MB46T8*czE3ODQ0MzE4MTMkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODQ0MzE4MTMkajYwJGwwJGgw" target="_blank" >Blackhawks</a> and Connor Bedard went back and forth on contract negotiations.</p><p>Bedard's agent, Don Meehan, laid out the process to the Sun-Times on Saturday, shortly after Bedard <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2026/07/18/connor-bedard-blackhawks-new-contract-nhl-free-agency" target="_blank" >signed a five-year deal</a> carrying a $15 million salary-cap hit.</p><p>"We had a long discussion about term," Meehan said. "There were many variables that we considered.
- How widely is it covered?
- 2 outlets, average source rating 5.5/10.
- When was it last updated?
- 8h ago.
How outlets are framing the same story
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- Coverage card2 outlets1CoverageScouting report
Connor Bedard's agent spells out Blackhawks contract negotiations, shoulder surgery decision
Sources2TypeCoverageChicago Sun-Times
New York Post