Welcome to a weekend edition of Around the NHL. Free agency is winding down, and the FIFA World Cup Final takes place this afternoon, but there’s still plenty of significant items to keep eyes on. We have you covered on the latest across the league.

Connor Bedard officially signed his long-term pact with the Chicago Blackhawks, signing a five-year pact worth $15 million per season. Chicago secures its franchise player for the foreseeable future, while still boasting one of the NHL’s deepest prospect pools. Bedard recorded 30 goals and 75 points in 69 games during the 2025-26 campaign. He is one of the NHL’s brightest stars, and though there have been periods where he hasn’t met the astronomical hype cast upon him, Bedard has often faced some of the league’s most difficult assignments, while being largely void of top-six talent on his wings.

“Connor’s strong work ethic and determination to always improve his game has set an extraordinary standard for our young core, and we’re excited for the incredible impact he’ll have in this next chapter of Blackhawks hockey,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a release.

Along with Bowen Byram, Bedard headlines Chicago’s core, and there is growing impatience about the club’s perpetual rebuild. Bedard is surely growing impatient with losing, and now the onus is on Bedard, Byram and the rest of Chicago’s young core to take a major leap during the 2026-27 campaign, while still years away from their prime contention window.

Connor Bedard wasn’t the only player to get paid on Saturday, as Jamie Drysdale inked a four-year deal worth $6.5 million per season with the Philadelphia Flyers. Drysdale is a puck-moving defenceman who is a ready-made power play quarterback. He recorded eight goals and 32 points in 78 games with the Flyers last season, and is a key part of their emerging core. The 24-year-old also posted two goals and four points in 10 playoff games.