What Cooley’s Extension Means for Connor Bedard

Now that Logan Cooley got his massive extension from the Utah Mammoth, it begs the question as to what that means for Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks. 

Cooley, 21, in his third NHL season, landed an eight-year, $10M AAV long-term deal after two terrific years to begin his career. Bedard, the No. 1 overall pick the year after Cooley's draft, is also in his third campaign, and had similar numbers over his first two years. 

Insider Pierre LeBrun brings us up to date on the Bedard contract situation, and there's no doubt that Cooley's deal "was duly noted by everyone involved on both sides." He tells us that the Blackhawks approached the Bedard camp during the summer, but only 'concepts', and no actual hard numbers were discussed. The serious stuff was put on hold.

There's a 'fluid delay' in Bedard contract talks

"My understanding is neither side has pinpointed exactly how far down the road they’ve kicked the ball," said LeBrun. "It’s a fluid delay. Perhaps they pick it back up in the new year. Perhaps it waits until after the season."

Whatever happens eventually, LeBrun has projected a couple of potential outcomes, depending on term:

How do I think it eventually plays out?... I think Chicago will do all it can to go the max eight years while it wouldn’t surprise me if Newport Sports (Bedard's agency) pushes for five.

For five years, I could see something in the $10 million average-annual-value range, or just above. For seven or eight years, you’re looking more at the $12 million-plus range.

Bedard was drafted as a franchise player, a phenom who was supposed to take over the league in short order. It's been a little bit slower of a process, with Bedard going from 22 goals and 61 points in his rookie year, to 23 goals and 67 points in Year 2. This season, he's taking it to the next level thus far, with six goals and 14 points in 11 games going into Saturday's action, including his first career hat trick.

His speed and quickness have improved after a summer of concentrating on his skating. He's also working on becoming a more well-rounded 200-foot player, and is playing a somewhat more responsible game both ways, as his plus/minus rating has gone from -36 last year to +5 thus far this season. He's winning more puck battles, averaging more stick checks, and producing far more end-to-end rushes. 

Bedard is wrapping up his entry-level deal this year, but it's only a matter of time before he's locked up for the long term in Chicago.