The Chicago Blackhawks made a significant move on Aug. 21, signing Frank Nazar to a seven-year contract extension with an average annual value of $6.6 million. With this, the Blackhawks have locked up a big part of their future long-term. 

With the Blackhawks signing Nazar to a contract extension, let's look at three players who they could extend next. 

Connor Bedard 

Connor Bedard is easily the Blackhawks' most notable extension candidate, as he is the young star player who they are building around. The 20-year-old forward is entering the final season of his entry-level deal, so he is undoubtedly a big-time extension candidate to watch. 

Getting Bedard locked up on a long-term contract extension like Nazar would be massive for the Blackhawks, as they are Chicago's top two young centers. In 150 games over two seasons with Chicago, Bedard has recorded 45 goals, 83 assists, and 128 points.

Spencer Knight

Spencer Knight is another notable contract extension candidate on the Blackhawks. After acquiring Knight from the Florida Panthers at the 2025 NHL trade deadline in the Seth Jones trade, the Blackhawks are hoping that he will be a long-term answer for them between the pipes. 

Knight is entering this upcoming season as a pending restricted free agent (RFA), so he is eligible for an extension. If the 2019 first-round pick takes a step forward as the Blackhawks' No. 1 starter, it would not be surprising if he lands an extension during the season. 

Nick Foligno 

Could the Blackhawks look to keep their captain, Nick Foligno, around beyond next season? It certainly should not be ruled out, as Foligno has been an excellent leader for Chicago as they continue their rebuild.

Foligno can become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) on July 1, 2026, but given his importance to the club, it would be understandable if they extended him. This is especially so when noting that he is still a solid part of their roster on the ice, as he recorded 15 goals, 35 points, and 200 hits in 78 games this past season for Chicago. 

Frank Nazar's Contract Extension With Blackhawks Made NHL History The Chicago Blackhawks have one of their core forwards locked in for a long time now that Frank Nazar has agreed to terms on a seven-year extension. 


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