Connor Bedard wants to stay with Blackhawks ‘for a long time’

Even though Connor Bedard doesn’t enjoy losing, he has no desire to leave the Chicago Blackhawks.

The young forward made his wishes clear with reporters on Thursday as the Blackhawks cleaned out their lockers after another losing season.

“I know I want to be here for a long time,” Bedard told reporters.

Bedard, following his second year with the Blackhawks, is eligible to sign an extension with the club on July 1.

The Blackhawks have finished second-last in the standings in both years with Bedard after Chicago made him the first-overall pick in 2023.

“If I look a little sad on the bench or something, maybe people can take it out of context,” he said. “But I’ve said it so many times, I love being here.”

After winning the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year last season, Bedard, 19, finished with 23 goals and 44 assists for 67 points in 82 games this season.