Blackhawks sign Connor Bedard to five-year $75 million deal

The Chicago Blackhawks have secured the long-term future of their franchise cornerstone, agreeing to a five-year, $75 million contract extension with star center Connor Bedard. The team announced the deal on Saturday, July 18, 2026, locking up the 21-year-old through the 2030-31 season.

The contract carries an average annual value of $15 million, which immediately makes Bedard the third-highest-paid player in the NHL. Only Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson ($18 million AAV) and Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov ($17 million AAV) currently earn more per season. The extension concludes months of speculation about Bedard's future and eliminates the possibility of an offer sheet from another team.

General manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement that Bedard has continuously defied expectations since being drafted first overall in 2023 and has quickly established himself as an elite NHL player. He praised Bedard's work ethic and determination, stating that the young star's approach has set an extraordinary standard for the team's emerging core of talent.

Bedard is coming off a career-best season in 2025-26, scoring 30 goals and 75 points in 69 games to lead the Blackhawks in...