Bedard urges Kane to rejoin Blackhawks after signing contract extension

Connor Bedard said he would welcome former teammate Patrick Kane back to Chicago, expressing hope that the 37-year-old winger might sign with the Blackhawks for the 2026-27 season. Bedard made the comments on Monday, shortly after he signed a five-year, $75 million contract extension with the club.

"I hope so," Bedard said. "I don't know what I can say to persuade his decision, but we'd all be so excited to have a player like that ... I can't imagine his first game back at the United Center, just the reaction he'd get and how much juice that would bring not only to our team but our fans as well."

Bedard added that Kane’s return could improve Chicago’s offense, which finished last in the league last season. Kane recorded 16 goals and 41 assists in 67 games for Detroit in 2025-26, while Bedard led the Blackhawks with 75 points in 69 games.

"You talk about the legacy aspect of it, but as a team, it would make us a way better team. He's still an amazing player," Bedard said.

The young star also addressed his own health, noting he underwent left-shoulder surgery on July 8 and faces a four-month recovery timeline, though he hopes to return sooner.

"We'll see. Whether that's quicker than four months ... I mean there's obviously that timeline right now, but I'm just going to do everything I can day-to-day to try to get back as quick as possible," he said.

Bedard confirmed that contract negotiations with Chicago proceeded smoothly and that recent free-agent activity involving Anaheim’s Leo Carlsson did not affect his decision to stay.

"Chicago's the only place I want to play. I'm very happy with the amount of money I'm making. It's a lot," he said.