Blackhawks Sign Connor Bedard to 5-Year, $75M Deal

Contract Overview

Chicago finalized a five‑year, $75 million contract with star center Connor Bedard on Saturday. The 21‑year‑old, who became a restricted free agent after his three‑year, $13.4 million entry‑level deal expired, will now earn an average annual value of $15 million. This total makes him the third‑highest paid player in the NHL and extends through the 2030‑31 season, keeping him with the Blackhawks until his first unrestricted free‑agency window opens. The agreement also signals the team’s commitment to building around its top draft pick, the 2023 No. 1 overall selection from Vancouver.

Salary Rankings Compared

Bedard’s $15 million average lands him just behind league leaders Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks ($18 M) and Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild ($17 M). Kaprizov’s eight‑year, $136 million pact is still the most lucrative deal in the league. At third‑highest AAV, Bedard has leapt into the top tier of NHL contracts. The agreement runs through the 2030‑31 season, leaving him just 26 when it ends.

On‑ice Impact and Team Context

As a Vancouver native, Bedard has been Chicago’s primary scorer in each of his three NHL seasons, posting 75 points (30 goals, 45 assists) in the 2025‑26 campaign. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks continue to struggle, finishing last in the Central Division with a 29‑39‑14 record for the third consecutive year. This marks the second‑worst overall mark in the NHL during that span, and Chicago has not reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2019‑20. GM Kyle Davidson highlighted Bedard’s impact, saying, “Connor has continuously defied our expectations since being drafted, and has quickly established himself as an elite player in the NHL.” He added that Bedard’s “strong work ethic and determination to always improve his game has set an extraordinary standard for our young core.”

Injury, Recovery, and Future Outlook

Bedard’s season outlook took a hit when he required left‑shoulder surgery on July 8 after injuring himself while skating with NHL teammates. He is expected to miss the beginning of the upcoming season while recovering from the procedure. Despite the injury, the Blackhawks moved forward with the lengthy contract, signaling confidence in his long‑term ceiling. The deal also aligns with the club’s rebuilding philosophy, giving them a core developmental window through the 2030‑31 campaign.