"Connor for Petey and Kiefer": VAN fans envision Connor Bedard trade to Canucks after insider reports potential 5-year extension with Blackhawks

Connor Bedard is in the final year of his three-year entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks and will become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2025-26 season.

According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, the Blackhawks will certainly push for an eight-year extension, but his camp may prefer a five-year deal. The uncertainty has sparked speculation among Vancouver fans about a potential trade that would bring Connor Bedard to the Canucks.

One fan on X (formerly called Twitter) said:

"Conner for Petey and Kiefer. Make sense for both sides. Conner will be a Canuck as thats his dream, and Petey needs a fresh start. Plus the Canucks throw in UFA Kiefer to make it interesting."

Another chimed in:

"It's all just speculation. He's said over and over again how much he loves playing in Chicago and wants to spend his career there. Why on earth would he want to go to a dumpster fire like Vancouver who won't have Quinn Hughes in 2 years time?"

Here are some of the other top reactions on X:

Just need celebrini to do the same and tank this season to get a good shot at Gavin McKenna," a third fan wrote. UFA at 27, he wants to be a Canuck my Cousin is friends with this guy he told me personally there’s nothing more he wants then to deliver a cup to Vancouver," another wrote. "Seems like the days of spending an entire career with one team have come to an end, everyone is so greedy, no such thing as loyalty anymore," one X user opined. "If he signs 5 years he's coming home after," another chimed in.

How has Connor Bedard fared this season?

Connor Bedard has been one of the most in-form players in the league this season. The 20-year-old has recorded eight points in his last five games, including his first career hat trick in a 7-3 win over the Senators last week.

Bedard leads the Blackhawks in scoring with 15 points—six goals and nine assists—through 12 games. Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks sit fifth in the Central Division with a 5-4-3 record.

The Blackhawks will be up against the Seattle Kraken next on Monday. The puck at Climate Pledge Arena drops at 10 p.m. ET.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta