Around the NHL 2025-2026

[oPlaiD]

The worst contract this offseason so far is the one Bowen Byram hasn't signed with Chicago, because he could easily walk. Heck, for a guy like Byram, who seems confident in taking a bigger role, playing one season as an actual #1 on the #1 PP with Bedard should set himself up huge for free agency.

It's actually just so silly. Like what leverage do the Hawks even have here? Enter negotiations with the agent who knows they paid the #4 overall for the player and will get raked by the media even harder if Byram leaves and say please? Sounds like he'll probably sign a mid term deal for a big bag since he hasn't cashed in majorly yet, but it would be hilarious if he just played out the year and took his chances.

 

[Brian39]

The worst contract this offseason so far is the one Bowen Byram hasn't signed with Chicago, because he could easily walk. Heck, for a guy like Byram, who seems confident in taking a bigger role, playing one season as an actual #1 on the #1 PP with Bedard should set himself up huge for free agency.

It's actually just so silly. Like what leverage do the Hawks even have here? Enter negotiations with the agent who knows they paid the #4 overall for the player and will get raked by the media even harder if Byram leaves and say please? Sounds like he'll probably sign a mid term deal for a big bag since he hasn't cashed in majorly yet, but it would be hilarious if he just played out the year and took his chances.

I would be stunned if they hadn't agreed to a handshake deal before the trade was finalized. They can't submit a contract to the league until 7/1, but it would be astounding if they made that trade without knowing he'd extend for a number they are willing to pay.

I don't think it is a good trade for Chicago, but I don't think it is as bad as the internet narrative/reaction. I do at least see the logic behind prioritizing Bedard's age 21 through 25 seasons over his age 26+ seasons. He can potentially go UFA after his age 24 season. The fact that we're a week from him being offer sheet eligible and they don't have a signed extension tells me that he's at least frustrated enough with the organizational plan/performance that he's not eager to start selling them UFA years. They aren't going to be Cup contenders next year, but they need to start approving and adding legit NHL players and not just prospects.

Byram will almost certainly be a better D man than whoever they would pick at 4 until Bedard is through his age 24 season when he can reach UFA. He will likely still be better in Bedard's age 25 season even if they 'hit' with that pick. And obviously there is the risk that the pick busts.

Again, I don't think it is a good trade. I think the still need a ceiling higher than Byram's. But I get the logic. That logic is gone if they aren't positive he is there after this season.

 

[oPlaiD]

I would be stunned if they hadn't agreed to a handshake deal before the trade was finalized. They can't submit a contract to the league until 7/1, but it would be astounding if they made that trade without knowing he'd extend for a number they are willing to pay.

I don't think it is a good trade for Chicago, but I don't think it is as bad as the internet narrative/reaction. I do at least see the logic behind prioritizing Bedard's age 21 through 25 seasons over his age 26+ seasons. He can potentially go UFA after his age 24 season. The fact that we're a week from him being offer sheet eligible and they don't have a signed extension tells me that he's at least frustrated enough with the organizational plan/performance that he's not eager to start selling them UFA years. They aren't going to be Cup contenders next year, but they need to start approving and adding legit NHL players and not just prospects.

Byram will almost certainly be a better D man than whoever they would pick at 4 until Bedard is through his age 24 season when he can reach UFA. He will likely still be better in Bedard's age 25 season even if they 'hit' with that pick. And obviously there is the risk that the pick busts.

Again, I don't think it is a good trade. I think the still need a ceiling higher than Byram's. But I get the logic. That logic is gone if they aren't positive he is there after this season.

That makes sense. I'm not in tune with all the contract rules so if they have to wait until July 1st to submit the deal, then that explains why they did this without announcing the contract like with Raddysh and Tuch.

I do think you highlight an interesting aspect of team building in the current landscape. It makes sense to capitalize on the initial RFA years of these #1 overall superstars by competing early since they are already often star level contributors but signed under market rates. But it doesn't necessarily line up timing wise if you, say, get that lottery selection early in your build. So you end up in this sort of paradoxical situation. It does seem like many of these teams, like Edmonton and Colorado, actually don't take the next steps until their big guy is into their second deal, which can still provide surplus value if you are also supplementing with other top picked guys.

The Hawks, though, don't seem to be at that stage yet... just compare them to San Jose, a team where I think this deal would have made much more sense. But Bedard's contract situation is definitely be a ticking timebomb for them.

That'd actually be crazy is Bedard went to UFA at that age. When was the last time something like that even happened with a player of his caliber? It almost feels like a given the franchise guys sign a long term deal as an RFA eating a couple UFA years, like Benson just did.