Mark Lazerus

Connor Bedard scored more goals and handed out more assists than Leo Carlsson last season. He's outpointed Carlsson 203-141 over their three seasons in the NHL. He was drafted with the No. 1 pick in 2023, while Carlsson went second. Bedard is the face of an Original Six franchise in a huge market, one of the faces of the league, and one of its biggest names and biggest stars. By all rights, Bedard should make more money than Carlsson.

"Hopefully he comes back and we can play together," Bedard said of Kane, who continues to weigh his options as an unrestricted free agent.

Bedard's five-year, $75 million contract extension is proof that he believes in his teammates and what the Blackhawks are building.

The rumors have swirled almost since Connor Bedard was drafted. Whether it's about the Blackhawks' losing or his linemates, you don't have to go far on the internet to find someone who has claimed Bedard is dissatisfied and wants out of Chicago as soon as possible.

Neither side here should be terribly happy, which is often the sign of a fair deal.

This isn’t just about ticket sales. It isn’t just some novelty signing, a nostalgia play or a farewell tour. At least, not entirely.

It was in the wrong spot, across the room and a few stalls off center, hanging next to 18-year-old Mason West as the prospect fiddled with the laces on his skates. It was the wrong time of year, the dead of summer, months since the last game and months till the next one. And it was definitely the wrong logo — the winged wheel of the hated Detroit Red Wings emblazoned on the chest.

Even at 37 years old, Kane immediately becomes one of the best forwards this generation of Blackhawks has seen.

The narrative surrounding the Blackhawks has completely changed, but how do you view their trajectory? Share your opinion here.

Did fans' sentiments change after the Blackhawks' offseason moves? Find out here.