Chicago Blackhawks could adopt Hurricanes' strategy to secure Connor Bedard long-term

After a standout season with 33 goals and 34 assists, totaling 67 points in 81 games, Jarvis will receive a notable deferred payment when his contract ends. This tactic might pave the way for other teams, particularly those with emerging stars approaching their second contracts.

Deferred payments have been permissible under the existing CBA, but until this point, teams had not employed this strategy so extensively. As reported by Frank Seravalli on Twitter, the deal features a deferred payment bonus that will reduce the Hurricanes' cap hit by around $400,000 each year over the course of the contract.

Looking ahead, the Chicago Blackhawks might consider a similar strategy when negotiating with their own rising superstar, Connor Bedard. Although Bedard's next contract negotiation is still over a year away, this approach could be crucial in keeping his AAV (Average Annual Value) manageable while still compensating him appropriately.

Bedard, who recorded 22 goals and 39 assists for 61 points in 68 games during his rookie season, is poised to command a lucrative deal when eligible to negotiate on July 1st, 2025. The Blackhawks could take a page out of Carolina's playbook to ensure they have the cap flexibility needed to build a competitive team around Bedard while still paying him what he deserves.

This new method, utilized by the Hurricanes, might inspire a broader trend across the NHL, especially for teams looking to balance the books while retaining key players. The potential to defer payments and alleviate cap pressures could become a go-to tactic for general managers, particularly in a flat cap era.

As teams observe the success of this strategy with Jarvis, it's possible we'll see more contracts structured this way, especially for young stars like Bedard, whose performances are expected to outpace their initial rookie deals.

The implications of this approach could significantly influence how future contracts are negotiated, potentially reshaping the financial landscape of the NHL.

Source: Markerzone
Chicago Blackhawks may use Carolina Hurricanes tactic to extend Connor Bedard long term

Source for Seth Jarvis's and Connor Bedard's stats: HockeyDB}»