“Needs to book a flight to Toronto” – Fans urge Connor Bedard to request a trade move following Blackhawks’ ELIMINATION from 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs contention

Despite the brilliance of Connor Bedard, the Chicago Blackhawks have been eliminated from the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs contention.

“Needs to book a flight to Toronto” – Fans urge Connor Bedard to request a trade move following Blackhawks’ ELIMINATION from 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs contention

Connor Bedard (Image via Imago)

Ten years ago, the Chicago Blackhawks won their 3rd Stanley Cup in 6 seasons. Fast forward a decade later and things have changed quite a lot. On Thursday, the Blackhawks lost 3-1 against the Los Angeles Kings and were officially eliminated from the race for the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs.

The team which is in it’s rebuilding phase, finished dead last in their division last season with a 23-53-6 record and just 52 points. One of the shining light for them in that dark season was Connor Bedard.

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The 2023 No.1 draft pick scored 22 goals and had 39 assists to finish his first year in Chicago with 61 points. His performances saw him win the Calder Trophy, awarded to the Rookie of the Year.

Things did not improve in the 2024-25 season as the Blackhawks once again struggled on the ice. Bedard himself found it hard and even went on a 12-game run without a goal.

On Thursday, Bedard scored the only goal for the Blackhawks in their loss. This turned out to be their 40th loss of the season. With just 49 points from their 69 games, the Hawks officially become the latest team to fall out of the race for the playoffs.

A few days ago, the San Jose Sharks became the first team to be eliminated from the playoff contention. Just like Bedard, the Sharks have a generational talent in Macklin Celebrini. The 18-year-old is the leading scorer for his team with 21 goals and 29 assists (50 points) and just like Bedard, is expected to win the Rookie of the Year award.

Fans react to Chicago Blackhawks getting eliminated from 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs contention

When the 2024-25 season started, the expectations were low on the shoulders of the Chicago Blackhawks. Given the current rebuilding phase, many fans had expected that the team would not be doing wonders this year.

Connor Bedard
Connor Bedard is the leading point scorer of the Chicago Blackhawks this season (Image via X/NHL)

The Blackhawks started the season with a 3-6-1 record and by the end of November, the team was already down and out with an 8-13-2 record which went up to 8-17-2 following a five-game losing run.

Despite Connor Bedard scoring 19 goals and providing 35 assists, the Blackhawks will likely finish bottom of their division again. Following the elimination, some fans urged Bedard to request a trade move and leave the team. One fan wrote, “Should book a flight to Toronto” while suggesting him to join the Toronto Maple Leafs instead.

Check out that and some other reactions from X below:

The Blackhawks last made the playoffs in the 2019-20 season. After winning in the qualifying round, they lost in the first round against the Vegas Golden Knights. This will now mark a fifth straight season where they will fail to make it to the playoffs.

NHL analyst warns Connor Bedard to not sign any contract extension

In July this year, Connor Bedard will be eligible to sign a contract extension with the Chicago Blackhawks and continue his stay with the team. However, an NHL analyst has warned him and his agent not to do so in the upcoming months.

Connor Bedard
Connor Bedard (Image via X/NHL)

In the past 2 games, Bedard has received 10-minute penalties for misconduct. This has led to some wondering whether he had grown frustrated with this current team.

While speaking on the Donnie & Dhali podcast, analyst Craig Button urged Bedard and his agent not to sign any extension.

The Chicago Blackhawks are awful. If I was the agent, I wouldn’t be signing Connor Bedard to any extension, because he doesn’t get any benefit by signing the extension in the coming season…

Craig Button said.

He argued that besides the money going up in 2026, the Blackhawks need to prove to him that the team are serious of rebuilding a team around him.

Bedard needs evidence for the Chicago Blackhawks that my signature on a long-term contract is worthy of me staying here. Because right now, there is nothing in Chicago that would make anybody think that staying there long-term is beneficial.

Craig Button added

Bedard’s entry level contract will expire at the end of the 2025-26 season. He will then become a restricted free agent if he does not sign an extension. If he does become a restricted free agent, the Blackhawks will retain the rights to match any offer he receives to re-sign him.