The biggest NHL News story entering Sunday, July 19, is no longer a rumor: Connor Bedard has committed his immediate future to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Bedard signed a five-year, $75 million contract carrying a $15 million average annual value. That ends any realistic possibility of an offer sheet or prolonged restricted free-agent standoff involving Chicago’s franchise player. It also establishes another major contract marker for the NHL’s rising generation of young stars.
Bedard produced 30 goals and 45 assists for 75 points in 69 games last season. He has led the Blackhawks in scoring during each of his first three NHL seasons, recording 203 points in 219 career games. The extension is important for Chicago, but so is his health: Bedard underwent left shoulder surgery and is expected to miss the beginning of the 2026-27 season.
Latest NHL News Shifts From Bedard to Fantilli and Robertson
With Bedard signed, attention now moves toward Columbus Blue Jackets centre Adam Fantilli and Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson.
Fantilli remains a restricted free agent and is eligible to sign an offer sheet. The 21-year-old registered a career-high 59 points, including 24 goals and 35 assists, while playing all 82 games last season. That production may not place him in Bedard’s financial category, but young centres with Fantilli’s size, draft pedigree and offensive upside are exceptionally difficult to acquire.
My read is that Columbus has more to lose by allowing Fantilli’s negotiations to drag deep into the summer. The Blue Jackets can match an outside offer, but another aggressive team could structure a contract that forces Columbus into an uncomfortable salary or term decision. There is no confirmation that Fantilli has received an offer sheet, so this should be treated as a potential pressure point rather than an imminent transaction.
Robertson’s situation is different. He filed for salary arbitration after leading Dallas with 96 points and tying for the team lead with 45 goals in 82 games. Filing for arbitration removes the immediate offer-sheet possibility, but it also creates a more defined negotiating timeline for the Stars.
Robertson’s name has generated plenty of NHL trade speculation, but the confirmed development is his arbitration filing. Until Dallas indicates it is prepared to move him or a credible report identifies an advanced negotiation, a Robertson trade should remain classified as speculation.
NHL Contract and Free Agency Watch
| Player | Current status | 2025-26 production | What to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connor Bedard | Signed for five years, $75 million | 30 goals, 75 points in 69 games | Recovery from shoulder surgery |
| Adam Fantilli | Restricted free agent | 24 goals, 59 points in 82 games | Contract negotiations and offer-sheet eligibility |
| Jason Robertson | Filed for salary arbitration | 45 goals, 96 points in 82 games | Long-term contract or possible trade discussions |
| Patrick Kane | Unrestricted free agent | 16 goals, 57 points in 67 games | Whether a contender offers the right role and contract |
The other recognizable name still waiting is Patrick Kane. The 37-year-old remains listed as an unrestricted free agent after producing 16 goals and 41 assists for 57 points in 67 games with the Detroit Red Wings. The official NHL free-agent tracker also continued to list Kane as unsigned during its latest update.
At this stage of his career, Kane’s decision should be about fit more than chasing the largest available contract. He still possesses the vision, puck control, and power-play creativity to help a playoff team, but his next club must have sheltered offensive minutes and a clear role available. A reunion, hometown signing, or move to an established contender would all create compelling headlines, but no destination has been confirmed.
The most important update from earlier reports is that speculation surrounding Bedard’s contract has now been resolved. He did not leave Chicago, and the Blackhawks did not allow the situation to develop into a damaging offer-sheet battle. General manager Kyle Davidson described Bedard as an elite player who makes his teammates better and sets a standard for Chicago’s young core.
For the Blackhawks, the contract provides stability. For Fantilli, Robertson and the remaining unsigned stars, it gives agents and teams another major agreement to study as negotiations continue.
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