What happened: The 21-year-old said the risk of leaving Chicago outweighed any financial upside from signing with another club. He signed a five-year, $75 million extension on July 18.
Why it matters: The decision secured one of the NHL's richest contracts without testing restricted free agency. The agreement keeps Bedard at the center of Chicago's rebuild for the next five seasons.
By the numbers: Bedard set career highs with 30 goals, 45 assists and 75 points in 69 games during 2025-26. He has 203 points in 219 NHL games.
What to watch: The extension takes effect for the upcoming 2026-27 season.