Major update on Connor Bedard's future in Chicago

Chicago Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson has cleared the air amidst rumors that young star Connor Bedard has requested a trade.

Bedard, the Blackhawks' 1st overall selection in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, has been pretty vocal in his disappointment on the team's play in his first two seasons. The rebuilding Blackhawks have been awful in Bedard's short tenure, leading to rumors that the young star is unhappy in Chicago.

Yesterday, Davidson told reporters that, in fact, Bedard is committed to the team and the city and that the two sides are working on a contract extension.

“I probably don’t want to get too far into it, but we are talking,” Davidson told reporters, per NHL.com. “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, that 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.”

Bedard led the Blackhawks in scoring last season, posting 23 goals and 67 points in 82 games.

Bedard himself has addressed the rumors that he wants out and attributes them mostly to his body language and how fans and the media convey his reactions to losing.

"I’m a pretty mild-mannered guy and if I looked a little sad on the bench or something, maybe people can take it out of context," Bedard said during his season-ending availability. "I’ve said it so many times, I love being here and the city.

"People who know me know I love to be here and really trust the direction we’re going. If you get the first overall pick, you’re probably not winning the Cup the next two years. It's an understanding of where you’re at."

Still, until pen hits paper there will be persistent rumors that Bedard wants out of Chicago and Davidson even admitted that a contract signing this offseason isn't a guarantee.

“We’ll see, but if we’re able to get something done (soon), that would be fantastic,” Davidson said. “But if we don’t, I think it’s probably more so out of the uncertainty around how the league and the system is going to be growing or impacted moving forward than anything player/team related.”

Stay tuned. The longer this drags on, the more chatter we'll likely hear on a potential divorce.