Connor Bedard has finally secured the bag with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Just a day after he turned 21 years old, Bedard agreed to a 5-year extension contract with the Blackhawks, one that carries an average annual value of $15 million. The Blackhawks announced the news via their official website.
One of the most hyped NHL prospects in recent memory, Bedard was selected by the Blackhawks first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, and this new contract further shows the franchise’s trust that he will be able to help get Chicago back on top.
Only Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks and Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild have contracts with a higher average annual value than Bedard’s. Carlsson carries an $18 million AAV, while Kaprizov is at $17 million.
The Blackhawks have yet to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs with Bedard, but he is clearly Chicago’s most important piece, as the team continues its rebuild. He is coming off the best season of his NHL career, scoring 30 goals and recording 45 assists for 75 points in 69 games during the 2025-26 campaign as the Blackhawks finished 29-39-14 with 72 points, matching their highest total since the 2019-20 season.
With his new deal, Bedard will remain with the Blackhawks through at least the 2030-31 season, when he will still be just 25 years old.
