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Blackhawks, Bedard agree to contract extension

The waiting game is finally over.

Posted on by L_B_R
Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

After months of speculation surrounding the future face of the franchise, the Chicago Blackhawks announced on Saturday afternoon that they have signed Connor Bedard to a five-year contract extension worth $15 million annually.

The deal makes Bedard one of the highest-paid players in the NHL and runs through the 2031-32 season. It also includes a full no-move clause in the final year of the deal. For a full breakdown of the deal, see below:

While there was never much doubt that the two sides would eventually reach an agreement, the timing and structure of the contract had become one of the biggest storylines of the offseason, especially after Bedard underwent shoulder surgery following an offseason training injury and left his availability for the start of the season in question. Now, with the season just a few months away, the Blackhawks can move forward knowing their franchise centerpiece is locked in for many years to come.

Here is Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson’s statement on the signing:

โ€œConnor has continuously defied our expectations since being drafted, and has quickly established himself as an elite player in the NHL. 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. Connorโ€™s strong work ethic and determination to always improve his game has set an extraordinary standard for our young core, and weโ€™re excited for the incredible impact heโ€™ll have in this next chapter of Blackhawks hockey.โ€

Bedard has more than justified the hype that came with being selected first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. Through his first three NHL seasons, Bedard has already established himself as one of the league’s premier young stars with his points totaling 203 points (75 G, 128 A) in 219 career games. He is the first player in Blackhawks franchise history and 13th player in NHL history to reach the 200-point mark before turning 21. Of course, his impressive resume started immediately upon, as he captured the Calder Trophy in 2023-24 after leading all NHL rookies with 22 goals and 61 points.

The 21-year-old is coming off the best season of his young career, setting new career highs with 30 goals, 45 assists and 75 points in just 69 games. He led the Blackhawks in assists, points and game-winning goals while finishing second on the team in goals. His breakout campaign also earned him NHL Third Star of the Month honors in November after recording 23 points (10 G, 13 A) in 14 games. Bedard’s 30-goal season also placed him in elite company, becoming just the third player in franchise history to score at least 30 goals at age 20 or younger, joining Jonathan Toews and Eric Daze.

His success hasn’t been limited to the NHL, either: Bedard has also excelled on the international stage, helping Canada win back-to-back gold medals at the 2022 and 2023 World Junior Championships. He rewrote the tournament record book during the 2023 event with 23 points (9 G, 14 A) in seven games, earning tournament MVP honors before later being named the IIHF Male Player of the Year. He also represented Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, recording eight points (5 G, 3 A) in 10 games.

While the most important takeaway is that the Blackhawks have their franchise cornerstone locked up for the foreseeable future, the one aspect of the deal that will generate some debate is the term.

Because it’s a five-year extension rather than the more desired seven or eight years, Bedard will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the contract. That’s a good outcome for the player, giving him another opportunity to cash in at a relatively young age. From the team’s perspective, however, it also means Chicago gave up some potential UFA seasons that longer-term deals are traditionally designed to buy.

However, let’s be clear: the market seems to have changed when it comes to contracts right now. With the wildly rising cap resurfacing the contract landscape, seven- and eight-year extensions for elite young restricted free agents haven’t been nearly as automatic as they once were. The only emerging superstar to sign an eight-year extension this past season was Ivan Demidov with the Montreal Canadiens. Zack Benson and Josh Doan, both with the Buffalo Sabres, are the only two post entry-level contract players to sign seven year deals. In comparison, last year there were about 10 young players who signed for seven or eight years at the conclusion of their ELC contract. Around the league, shorter bridge-to-prime contracts have become increasingly common as players look to maximize their earning power and flexibility later in their careers.

It’s also fair to wonder whether the league’s recent offer sheet drama played a role. The Philadelphia Flyers’ massive offer sheet to Leo Carlsson, which was ultimately matched by the Anaheim Ducks, likely had impact on conversations around young superstar contracts this summer and influenced negotiations across the NHL. Carlsson’s deal was also a five-year contract, and it’s difficult to believe that situation wasn’t fresh in the minds of both Bedard’s camp and the Blackhawks throughout negotiations.

Coincidentally, the total value matches the $75 million extension the Blackhawks gave 25-year-old defenseman Bowen Byram on July 1, although Byram’s deal is spread over six years rather than five, resulting in a lower annual cap hit.

Regardless of the term on being perfectly ideal, this is still a win for the Blackhawks. The franchise’s most important piece is under contract, uncertainty surrounding its biggest offseason question has disappeared, and the organization can continue building toward contention with Bedard leading the way. Five years from now there will undoubtedly be another expensive negotiation waiting, but that’s a problem for another day.

For now, the wait is finally over.

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