The Blackhawks are keeping Connor Bedard for the long haul.
Bedard and the Blackhawks agreed to a five-year contract extension with an average annual value of $15 million, the team announced Saturday.
The deal, signed one day after Bedard turned 21, becomes the third-largest contract in NHL history in terms of average annual value — behind Ducks center Leo Carlsson ($18 million) and Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov ($17 million).
It also keeps Bedard, who was a restricted free agent and could’ve received offer sheets from other teams, in Chicago through the 2030-31 season.
“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 statement. “He utilizes all aspects of his game to not only be a constant threat, but to make the players around him better every time he steps on the ice.
“Connor’s strong work ethic and determination to always improve his game has set an extraordinary standard for our young core, and we’re excited for the incredible impact he’ll have in this next chapter of Blackhawks hockey.”
The contract was finalized 10 days after Bedard underwent surgery on his left shoulder.
He’s expected to miss the start of the 2026-27 season after getting injured while skating with other NHL players in Canada.
Since being drafted No. 1 by the Blackhawks in 2023, Bedard has emerged as Chicago’s franchise centerpiece and one of the best players in the NHL.
Across 69 games last season, Bedard racked up career-highs in both goals (30), and assists (45).
“He’s so important to our team,” Davidson told reporters in April, according to ESPN. “He took such a big step forward this year in every facet.”
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
