Connor Bedard Secures Long-Term Future with Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks achieved a key goal in their offseason plans by signing Connor Bedard to a five-year, $75 million contract extension on Saturday. This extension keeps him with the team until the end of the 2030-31 season, after which he will then be an unrestricted free agent.

At 21, the center is relieved to have the deal settled. ‘It’s a relief and nice to get it done for myself and the team,’ Bedard stated during a video conference with reporters. He expressed that there was no stress in the negotiations, sharing that both parties were aligned on the agreement. ‘Chicago is really the only place I want to play. Seeing the growth of our young guys and just how good of a group we are in the room — how tight it is, how much fun we have — I’m very happy to get this deal signed and just focus on the team. Excited to get back and get going.’

The agreement offers security for both the Blackhawks and Bedard. However, Bedard will not start the season on the ice as he is recovering from shoulder surgery following a fall during practice in Vancouver, British Columbia. This surgery marks the third time in four NHL seasons that Bedard will miss games, totaling 84 this season. He remains optimistic, approaching recovery one day at a time.

Entering his fourth year, Bedard has set numerous franchise records for Blackhawks players under 21, having earned 203 points in 219 career games. Former record holder Eddie Olczyk had 180 points before reaching 21. After achieving a career-high 75 points last season, Bedard held negotiation leverage. Speculation surrounded his decision to wait for the signing status of other draft class peers such as Leo Carlsson. Carlsson, drafted by Anaheim Ducks, signed a five-year, $90 million offer sheet. Bedard maintained his position, stating the offer did not influence his decision. ‘He wanted the team to have as much leeway to make the team effective and competitive as it could be,’ explained his agent, Don Meehan.

The $15 million average annual value of the contract makes it the largest in Blackhawks’ history and ranks third-highest in the NHL. Bedard’s annual salary more than doubles that of Frank Nazar, the next highest-paid forward at $6.6 million. Bedard turned 21 just before signing, joking about the deal being a perfect birthday gift.

Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson kept Bedard close during several strategic team changes, including trading for defenseman Bowen Byram and securing free agents Cole Smith and Ian Cole. Bedard quickly reached out to welcome these new teammates, expressing enthusiasm for the team’s summer transactions.

Bedard highlighted Byram’s potential, stating, ‘He’s someone who’s going to be one of the best D-men in the league.’ Regarding Ian Cole’s career history, Bedard humorously noted past rivalries, adding that they would now push forward as teammates.

When asked about leadership, Bedard downplayed any intentional captaincy but remained open to the idea. ‘It would be special for sure,’ he acknowledged. ‘Just getting to play for the Blackhawks organization in general without any of that is the best thing in the world.’

Possible new teammates continue to be a subject of interest. Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Chelios recently mentioned that free agent Patrick Kane is considering a return to Chicago or Buffalo. Bedard expressed hopes that Kane will rejoin, citing the potential enhancement of team dynamics and fan engagement.