Connor Bedard signs with the Chicago Blackhawks

Connor Bedard received the birthday gift he desired as he turned 18. The Chicago Blackhawks made an announcement on Monday that they have reached an agreement with Bedard, who was the top pick in last month’s NHL draft. This contract secures the future cornerstone of the team.

The agreed-upon deal is a three-year contract worth $13.35 million, with a salary-cap hit of $950,000. It will be in effect until the 2025-26 season and mirrors the contract signed by last year’s No. 1 pick, Juraj Slafkovsky, with the Montreal Canadiens. The Blackhawks have high hopes that Bedard, a 5-foot-9, 185-pound forward, will become a potent offensive force in the NHL.

General manager Kyle Davidson said in a team statement.
“Signing Connor is a huge step in building a new foundation for our organization. We’re excited to see him grow and play a large role in pushing our team forward for many years to come.”

During the previous season with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League, Bedard emerged as a standout player. He led the league in goals, scoring 71, and tied for first in assists with 72. His exceptional performance earned him the Bobby Clarke Trophy as the league’s leading point scorer, as well as the Player of the Year award. Bedard made history in the Canadian Hockey League by being the first player to sweep all of its top awards: Player of the Year, Top Prospect, and Top Scorer.

– Sign your contract on your birthday ✔️
– Take some fam pics ✔️
– Get a solo pic ✔️ 🥳 pic.twitter.com/7fCtQMtiZs
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 17, 2023

Additionally, Bedard showcased his skills on the international stage, leading Canada to a gold medal at the IIHF World Junior Championship. He contributed nine goals and 14 assists and was recognized as the tournament’s most valuable player.

At the age of 14, Bedard received exceptional player status for his age-15 season, making him the seventh player in CHL history, and the first in the WHL, to receive this designation.