The latest on rumours of a Connor Bedard offer sheet

The Philadelphia Flyers' recent bold move to tender an offer sheet to Leo Carlsson sent shockwaves through the NHL, and it immediately raised a question that makes every Chicago Blackhawks fan uneasy. Could someone do the same thing to Connor Bedard?

Could you imagine the damage that could be done around the league for seasons to come if that were the case.

Fortunately, according to multiple hockey insiders, the answer appears to be no. On the most recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman indicated he does not believe an offer sheet is on the way for Chicago's franchise centerpiece. Friedman pointed to the strong bond between Bedard and the organization as a key reason.

"I think generally player and team have an excellent relationship," Friedman said. "I think he's very happy to be a member of the organization."

That said, Friedman did add a note of caution, saying he personally "wouldn't leave any pens around the Bedard household" just in case someone does make an attempt. "I just personally wouldn't chance anything anymore," he added.

Separately, Frank Seravalli echoed a similar sentiment during an appearance on Oilers Now. When asked by Bob Stauffer whether he expected an offer sheet for Bedard, Seravalli was blunt.

"I don't. No matter what it's an easy match. Chicago's a really hard team to offer sheet," Seravalli said.

The backdrop to all of this is the Carlsson situation. Earlier this month, Philadelphia's offer sheet to the Anaheim Ducks forward, who was drafted one pick after Bedard in 2023, would pay Carlsson an average of $18 million annually over five years. Anaheim matched on Friday and Carlsson became the highest-paid player in the NHL based on average annual value.

Bedard and Carlsson have followed parallel career arcs. Bedard has recorded 203 points in 219 games through the 2025 season, while Carlsson has posted 241 points in 201 contests. Despite the slight statistical gap, Bedard's status as the first overall pick keeps his name at the top of every conversation.

Complicating matters is a recent injury concern. Bedard reportedly left an offseason practice session after falling awkwardly on his left shoulder. As of earlier this week, Friedman had not heard whether the injury was serious. It is reportedly a different shoulder than the one that cost Bedard time last season, but any new ailment could add wrinkles to contract negotiations.

The consensus among insiders seems clear: Chicago has both the financial flexibility and the organizational will to match any offer sheet that might come Bedard's way. The Blackhawks view Bedard as their franchise cornerstone, a Calder Trophy winner who has improved his production every season despite never playing a full campaign.

We all know the smartest path for Chicago appears to be locking Bedard down to an extension on their own terms before anyone else gets the chance to test their resolve.