Cornerstone RFAs Will Get New Deals, No Panic Needed

Since there was very little activity by the Chicago Blackhawks yesterday, general manager Kyle Davidson had plenty of time to discuss other topics when he met with the media. One such topic is the contract extensions for three important restricted free agents. Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Spencer Knight became eligible for extensions on Tuesday. It doesn’t need to be stressed how important these three are to the success of the rebuild. It’s not a matter of if they will get new deals, it’s a matter of when.

Despite what the engagement farmers and trolls on social media say, Bedard wants to stay with the Blackhawks. He understands what is being built here, and he always accepts responsibility for his shortcomings. But, in typical Bedard fashion, he didn’t get into contract details during a recent interview with Mark Lazerus of The Athletic.

“I’ll keep that pretty close to my chest. We have a great relationship, and everyone knows I want to be a Hawk as long as I’m playing,” he said. “And I know they appreciate me and want me with the team. Once you know that, there’s no stress or anything about that. Whether it’s done next week or during the year, or at the end of the year, that doesn’t stress me out too much. Anything can happen, but the relationship with me and the team is really strong.”

There is little doubt that Davidson would love to get a deal with Bedard done as soon as possible. The same could be said about Nazar and Knight. However, Bedard’s agent, Gregory Landry, likely wants to wait until after the season to get a deal done. If Bedard takes the step forward he’s working all summer to do and finishes the season at a point-per-game or better, the price of poker goes up. Landry’s job is to secure the best contract possible for his client, and signing one now likely leaves money on the table.

“Probably don’t want to get too far into it, but we are talking,” Davidson said. “So, I think that’s an indicator of an openness to discuss. He made his thoughts very clear at the end of the season and subsequently in other interviews, he’s committed to Chicago and wants to be here long term, and we obviously want him here long term, so there’s mutual agreement there. So, we’ll see. But if we’re able to get something done, that would be fantastic. But if we don’t, I think it’s probably more so out of the uncertainty around how the league and the system are going to be growing or impacted moving forward than anything player-team related.”

Nazar’s agent, Kevin Magnuson, son of Blackhawks legend Keith Magnuson, probably feels the same way. He saw what his client did at the end of the regular season and the World Championships. There is no way he’s rushing to sign a contract when a huge breakout season awaits.

Knight’s agents, Jordan Neumann and George Bazos, might be willing to discuss a new deal this summer. This will be Knight’s first season as a No. 1 goaltender. Playing more games behind a team far worse defensively than the Florida Panthers will likely lead to below-average numbers. That would favor the Blackhawks at the negotiation table.

The bottom line is that there is time for these three to secure new deals. They are all cornerstones of the rebuild and will be in Chicago for a very long time. Don’t freak out if there are no extensions before the start of the season. Bedard isn’t leaving for Vancouver. Nazar and Knight aren’t going anywhere. Their agents are simply doing what they are paid to do.