The Chicago Blackhawks announced a five‑year, $15 million‑per‑year contract extension for their 21‑year‑old center Connor Bedard, a deal that locks the franchise’s emerging star through the 2031‑32 season and includes a full no‑move clause in its final year.
Bedard has quickly become one of the league’s most prolific point producers, surpassing the 200‑point milestone before his 21st birthday and posting a career‑best 30 goals, 45 assists and 75 points in 69 games last season. His 203 points in 219 NHL appearances, which include 75 goals and 128 assists, place him among the most efficient young players in history.
A landmark deal for the Blackhawks
With Bedard secured, the Blackhawks can continue to build around a player who already leads the franchise in assists, points and game‑winning goals, and who helped Canada capture back‑to‑back World Junior gold medals in 2022 and 2023. The contract also mirrors the $75 million, six‑year extension signed by defenseman Bowen Byram, underscoring a market trend where top prospects opt for shorter bridge deals that maximize earnings later in their careers.