Connor Bedard has set himself up for a possibly gargantuan payday in 2031 after signing a new five-year contract with the Blackhawks.
The Hawks presumably pushed for an eight-year maximum-length contract in negotiations, but they ultimately agreed Saturday to a bridge deal with a $15 million salary-cap hit.
The shorter term helps keep the cap hit semi-reasonable compared to Ducks star Leo Carlsson’s new $18 million cap hit. However, Bedard, who just turned 21 on Friday, is now slated to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the contract.
“Connor has continuously defied our expectations since being drafted, and [he] has quickly established himself as an elite player in the NHL,” Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement.
“He utilizes all aspects of his game to not only be a constant threat but [also] 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 first three Hawks seasons have been remarkably similar to Patrick Kane’s first three seasons. Bedard has 203 points in his first 219 games; Kane also tallied 203 points in his first 219 games.
Now, Bedard has also followed in Kane’s footsteps with the bridge-deal concept coming off his entry-level contract. Kane signed for five years at $6.3 million per year starting in 2010-11, then cashed in with an eight-year deal at $10.5 million per year starting in 2015-16.
Bedard’s big step forward in 2025-26 squashed any concerns about him not reaching his elite ceiling as he reached the 30-goal and 75-point marks in 69 games.
He tied for 20th in the NHL in points per game and likely would’ve ranked higher if not for an injury-hampered January. He also likely would’ve ranked higher if he had any sort of quality linemates, which he theoretically should gain during the course of this new contract.
He won’t be able to start this coming season on time, however, after undergoing left shoulder surgery following an injury in practice earlier this month. He’s slated to return in early to mid-November, missing the first 15-20 games of the season.
This story will be updated.