David Pagnotta of NHL Network discussed the contract situations of San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini, who is eligible for an extension, and Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard, a pending restricted free agent (RFA).
Regarding Macklin Celebrini, who is coming off an impressive sophomore year and currently representing Canada at the World Championships, Pagnotta noted that he becomes eligible to sign an extension on July 1st. While there’s no immediate urgency as he still has another year on his contract, his situation will be closely watched, especially in comparison to other pending RFAs due for new deals.
Pagnotta suggested that Connor Bedard’s upcoming contract in Chicago will likely serve as a benchmark for Celebrini’s future deal. Celebrini is expected to be a top contender for MVP awards in the coming years. Negotiations for Bedard’s new contract with the Blackhawks have reportedly resumed, though an initial gap in financial expectations has been observed, which is typical in the early stages of such discussions.
If Bedard’s contract spans the full term of his RFA eligibility (three to four years), it’s anticipated to be in the $12 million per season range, possibly representing a “sweet spot.” Currently, Chicago is believed to be closer to the $10 million mark, but these negotiations are in their very preliminary phase. Pagnotta emphasized that there is no cause for concern, as both parties understand a deal will be reached, and this is simply part of the negotiation process.
