Bedard Signs Five-Year Extension With Blackhawks

Connor Bedard isn’t going anywhere.

The Blackhawks locked up their franchise center Saturday, signing Bedard to a five-year contract worth $75 million. That works out to a $15 million cap hit, and it keeps the 2023 first overall pick in Chicago through the 2030-31 season.

Bedard turned 21 on Friday, one day before the deal got done. He had been a restricted free agent, eligible to re-sign since July 1 of last year, but there was never much suspense about where he’d end up.

GM Kyle Davidson talked about what Bedard has meant to the rebuild in the team’s announcement.

“Connor has continuously defied our expectations since being drafted, and has quickly established himself as an elite player in the NHL. 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.”

The number came in under what some expected. We reported on July 5 that Bedard was eyeing something closer to $17 million to match Kirill Kaprizov’s extension in Minnesota. He settled at $15 million, which still makes him one of the highest-paid players in the league and a huge raise off his entry-level deal.

Bedard has carried Chicago’s offense since the day he arrived. He led the Blackhawks in scoring in each of his first three seasons and sits at 203 points in 219 regular-season games. Last year he put up 75 points (30 goals, 45 assists) in 69 games, and he won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 2024.

There is one catch. Bedard won’t be on the ice for opening night. Chicago announced on July 8 that he had surgery on his left shoulder and will miss the start of the season, an injury that traces back to a December face-off against St. Louis.

Once he’s healthy, the Blackhawks have their No. 1 center signed through 2031. The rebuild finally has its cornerstone locked in.