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  "path": "/blackhawks/2026/06/29/blackhawks-qualifying-offers-nhl-free-agents-connor-bedard-kevin-korchinski",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-29T21:36:03.620Z",
  "site": "https://chicago.suntimes.com",
  "textContent": "<p>The <a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks?_gl=1*4snu0o*_up*MQ..*_ga*NzA2MDU1Mjg1LjE3ODI3NjE1MDc.*_ga_K0F0MB46T8*czE3ODI3NjE1MDYkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODI3NjE1MTEkajU1JGwwJGgw\" target=\"_blank\" >Blackhawks</a> had straightforward decisions to make with their restricted free agents this year, and they made the expected ones.</p><p>Four RFAs — forward Connor Bedard, defensemen Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro and goalie Drew Commesso — were all given qualifying offers before the Monday deadline, allowing the Hawks to retain their rights past the expiration of their entry-level contracts Wednesday.</p><p>The only two RFAs not given qualifying offers were AHL defensemen Dmitri Kuzmin and Ryan Mast, neither of whom were NHL-relevant prospects. Kuzmin is rumored to be signing in the KHL.</p><p>Bedard headlines the group of qualified RFAs, but only Commesso holds arbitration rights within the group.</p><p>Contract negotiations between the Hawks and Bedard's agents have <a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2026/06/23/connor-bedard-blackhawks-contract-negotiations-nhl-free-agency-leo-carlsson-adam-fantilli?_gl=1*1l9umti*_up*MQ..*_ga*NzA2MDU1Mjg1LjE3ODI3NjE1MDc.*_ga_K0F0MB46T8*czE3ODI3NjE1MDYkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODI3NjE1MDYkajYwJGwwJGgw\" target=\"_blank\" >revved up recently</a>, with the two sides exchanging numbers and working toward an agreement.</p><p>It's still unknown what length of contract Bedard will eventually sign and for what annual salary-cap hit (likely within the $13-16 million range), but fans need not worry about the possibility of him signing an offer sheet with another team. That's an unrealistic idea.</p><p>Korchinski, Del Mastro and Commesso will likely receive one- or two-year contracts with low cap hits, extending their windows to establish themselves as NHL players without guaranteeing long-term commitments in case they don't.</p><p>The two defensemen are no longer waiver-exempt next season, so training camp will be crucial for them. Korchinski hopes his summer of training in Chicago prepares him well for a potentially make-or-break season.</p>",
  "title": "Blackhawks give qualifying offers to four RFAs including Connor Bedard",
  "updatedAt": "2026-06-29T21:36:03.620Z"
}