The Chicago Blackhawks have signed forward Connor Bedard to a five-year contract extension worth $75 million, the team announced Saturday. The deal carries an average annual value of $15 million, making it the third-largest contract in NHL history by average annual value.
This extension ensures Bedard, who was a restricted free agent, remains with the Blackhawks through the 2030-31 season. The contract was finalized just 10 days after Bedard underwent surgery on his left shoulder, an injury he sustained while skating with other NHL players in Canada. He is expected to miss the start of the 2026-27 season.
Since being selected No. 1 overall by the Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Bedard has become the centerpiece of the franchise and one of the league's elite players. In the previous season, he recorded career-highs with 30 goals and 45 assists over 69 games. Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson stated that Bedard has continuously exceeded expectations and established himself as an elite player who makes those around him better. Davidson also highlighted Bedard's strong work ethic and dedication to improvement as setting a standard for the team's young core.