Reaction to Connor Bedard’s new contract, Brandon Saad could be heading overseas, Jack Campbell retires, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: The Blackhawks signed center Connor Bedard on Saturday to a five-year contract worth an average annual value of $15 million.

Bedard, 21, had completed his three-year entry-level contract. He has the third-highest AAV this season, behind Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson ($18 million) and Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov ($17 million).

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus believes Bedard likely would’ve received the same contract as Carlsson if he’d asked for it. However, he informed his agent, Don Meehan, that he was happy to continue to negotiate from their original position, which would give the Blackhawks the salary-cap leeway necessary to remain “as effective and competitive as it could be.”

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (NHL Images)

According to Lazerus, money was never the issue. “The sticking point – if you can call it that – was term.” The contract expires when Bedard is 26, making him eligible for unrestricted free-agent status.

Meehan also indicated that Bedard had no interest in signing an offer sheet. He also stressed that the shorter term is not indicative of any uneasiness on his client’s behalf over the direction of the Blackhawks. He said his client remains “very happy” in Chicago, believes in his teammates, and remains committed to the organization.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bedard didn’t opt for the same deal as Carlsson’s, but the latter’s new contract did affect what the young Blackhawks star received. He could’ve received $18 million annually or more if he wanted it.

Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli is the most notable young star still unsigned this summer. So far, there’s no indication that the 21-year-old center is getting closer to a deal. The longer he remains unsigned, the more speculation there is over whether he’ll receive an offer sheet.

EXPRESSEN: Johan Svensson reports two SHL teams (Brynas IF and Djurgardens IF) have expressed interest in signing Brandon Saad. The 33-year-old winger spent last season with the Vegas Golden Knights on a one-year contract. He had nine points in 49 games and two points in five playoff contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stick tap to Gabriel Foley of Pro Hockey Rumors. A seven-time 20-plus-goal scorer who won two Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks, the 33-year-old Saad’s 15-season NHL career is winding down. He might have to sign in Sweden or elsewhere in Europe to continue his pro career.

SPORTSNET: Goaltender Jack Campbell has announced his retirement.

Campbell, 34, spent nine seasons in the NHL from 2013-14 to 2023-24 with the Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Edmonton Oilers. His last NHL team was the Detroit Red Wings in 2024-25. He entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program and later spent 14 games with the Wings’ AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids in 2024-25.

Campbell said he was “super grateful” for his playing days, but said a lot of people never saw the personal battle he went through during that time. He intends to pursue a career as a life coach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In 164 games saved, Campbell had a record of 93 wins, 52 losses, and 18 overtime losses, finishing with a 2.76 goals-against average, a 909 save percentage, and 10 shutouts. He had a postseason record of 7-8-0 with a 2.28 GAA, a .920 SP, and two shutouts.

DAILY FACEOFF: Blue Jackets center Isac Lundestrom underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon. He is expected to return to action in November.

NJ HOCKEY HOCKEY: Former Devils assistant coach Sergei Brylin has reached an agreement to become the head coach of Dinamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League.

THE PIONEER PRESS: “Da Beauty League” is staging its final season. The Minnesota summer rec league, consisting of Minnesota-based NHL players, minor leaguers, and collegians, began 10 years ago in Edina.