Connor Bedard is approaching the end of his entry‑level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, a milestone that could reshape the franchise's financial and competitive landscape. The 2023 first‑overall selection has already demonstrated his offensive upside, posting 30 goals and 45 assists for 75 points in 69 games during the previous season.
A contract that could redefine the Blackhawks' payroll
NHL insider David Pagnotta has reported that the Blackhawks are comfortable offering a contract in the $12.5 million to $14 million average annual value range. That figure places Bedard in the same echelon as Leon Draisaitl, who currently tops the league’s earnings with a $14 million AAV, and just below Auston Matthews ($13.25 million) and Connor McDavid ($12.5 million). The move would mark a dramatic increase from Bedard’s current cap hit of $950,000.
Despite a late‑season slump that saw him record eight points in his last ten games without a single goal, Bedard’s overall impact remains significant. His plus‑minus slipped to minus‑14 over that stretch and settled at minus‑18 for the full campaign, yet the team’s management views the statistical dip as a temporary adjustment period rather than a decline in talent.
The Blackhawks finished the season with a 29‑39‑14 record and a minus‑62 goal differential, underscoring the need for a turnaround. General Manager Kyle Davidson has publicly expressed confidence that Bedard will serve as the cornerstone of a rebuilding effort aimed at restoring the club’s competitiveness. The organization’s willingness to invest heavily in the young forward reflects a broader strategy to align the roster’s talent and financial commitments with a sustainable path forward.
As negotiations progress, the outcome will not only affect Bedard’s personal earnings but also set a precedent for how the Blackhawks balance youthful promise with the market standards established by the league’s elite contracts. The coming weeks could thus prove pivotal for both the player and the franchise’s aspirations.