The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Tuesday that Connor Bedard has agreed to a five‑year, $75 million contract extension, a deal that will keep the franchise’s 2023 No. 1 overall pick in the Windy City through the 2030‑31 season.
With an average annual value of $15 million, the agreement ranks as the third‑largest contract in NHL history, underscoring the league’s growing financial commitments to elite talent.
Bedard’s rise has been meteoric. After being selected first overall in the 2023 draft, he posted career‑high numbers last season, recording 30 goals and 45 assists in 69 games, a performance that helped him quickly become a fan favorite.
Implications for the franchise
General manager Kyle Davidson praised the center’s work ethic and leadership, noting that Bedard’s impact extends beyond the scoresheet and has already reshaped the team’s culture.
The contract also comes with a caveat: Bedard is expected to miss the opening stretch of the 2026‑27 campaign after undergoing shoulder surgery, a setback that could affect the team’s early‑season plans.
Nevertheless, the organization remains confident that the young star will return fully healthy and continue to drive success, with the deal cementing the Blackhawks’ commitment to building around its centerpiece.