B/R Open Ice: Frank Seravalli, when asked if there should be concern for Chicago Blackhawks fans if he wants to sign a five-year deal instead of an eight-year deal.

** NHLRumors.com transcription

“First off, no, not concerning. Were Toronto Maple Leaf fans concerned when Auston Matthews signed a five-year deal out of the shoot of his entry-level deal? No.

Two. I think it also depends, Nathan, on when Connor Bedard signs his deal. If he waits until after July 1st, which obviously there’s plenty of time between now and then. But if he waits until after July 1, the most years that he could sign for anyway, ratchets down to seven, as per the collective bargaining agreement changes. So it does change the spectre of that slightly. An eight-year deal would need to get done before the calendar

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