The Chicago Blackhawks secured the centerpiece of their rebuild Saturday, signing star forward Connor Bedard to a five-year, $75 million contract extension.
The deal carries a $15 million annual salary cap hit, and keeps Bedard under contract through 2030-31. Only the contracts of Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks ($18 million) and Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov ($17 million) have a higher average annual value in the league. The agreement was announced one day after Bedard turned 21.
Bedard
strengthened his case for a major commitment by setting career highs with 30 goals, 45 assists and 75 points in 69 games last season. He led Chicago in assists, points and game-winning goals (five) while finishing second on the team in goals.
The North Vancouver, British Columbia, native became the third player in franchise history to score 30 goals in a season at age 20 or younger, joining Jonathan Toews and Eric Daze. He also reached 200 career points in April, becoming the first Blackhawks player and 13th NHL player to hit the milestone before turning 21.
"Connor has continuously defied our expectations since being drafted, and has quickly established himself as an elite player in the NHL," Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a news release.
Bedard has notched 75 goals and 128 assists (203 points) in 219 games since Chicago selected him first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. He won the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie in 2023-24 after recording 22 goals and 61 points in 68 games.
The extension completes one of Chicago's biggest offseason priorities, although Bedard is expected to miss the beginning of next season. He underwent surgery earlier this month to repair his left shoulder after sustaining an injury during an offseason workout.
The Blackhawks said his recovery is expected to take approximately four months.
Chicago has not reached the postseason since the expanded playoff format was used in 2020 and finished 31st overall for the third consecutive season in 2025-26. The club improved by 11 points last season and has continued adding to its young core, including the offseason acquisition of defenseman Bowen Byram from the Buffalo Sabres.
--Field Level Media
