The Chicago Blackhawks signed star forward Connor Bedard to a five-year contract worth $15 million per season, the team announced Saturday.
Bedard became a restricted free agent upon the expiration of his entry-level contract. The 21-year-old notched 75 points in 69 games last season but missed time due to a shoulder injury. Bedard is scheduled to miss the start of the 2026-27 campaign due to an ailment on his other shoulder.
"Connor has continuously defied our expectations since being drafted and has quickly established himself as an elite player in the NHL," general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement.
"He utilizes all aspects of his game to not only be a constant threat but to make the players around him better every time he steps on the ice. Connor's strong work ethic and determination to always improve his game has set an extraordinary standard for our young core, and we're excited for the incredible impact he'll have in this next chapter of Blackhawks hockey."
Bedard's new cap hit makes him the third-highest-paid player in the NHL behind Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks ($18 million) and Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild ($17 million).
Bedard will be also be Chicago's highest-paid player by a significant margin until Bowen Byram's $12.5-million cap hit begins in 2027-28. The Blackhawks still have over $14.3 million in cap space after signing Bedard.
Chicago drafted Bedard first overall in 2023, and he entered the NHL as one of the most hyped prospects in league history after a prolific junior career in the Western Hockey League. Bedard, who won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in his debut campaign, has 203 points in 219 career contests.
However, the Blackhawks haven't found team success since drafting Bedard, finishing 31st in the league standings in each of his three seasons.
