Chicago Blackhawks agree five-year $75m contract with Connor Bedard
Chicago Blackhawks centre Connor Bedard has signed a new five-year contract worth $75m to secure his long-term future with the rebuilding NHL franchise.
The 21-year-old had been a restricted free agent before formally agreeing to terms on Saturday.
His lucrative new deal was finalised just 10 days after the forward underwent surgery to repair his left shoulder.
General manager Kyle Davidson praised the young star’s extraordinary standard and relentless work ethic.
“Connor has continuously defied our expectations since being drafted, and has quickly established himself as an elite player in the NHL.”
Injury setback delays season start
The highly rated Canadian is expected to miss the opening stages of the upcoming campaign after sustaining his latest injury while skating with fellow professionals.
This follows a frustrating history of spells on the sidelines for the former first overall draft pick.
He missed nearly six weeks of his rookie campaign with a broken jaw, before a right shoulder issue restricted him to 69 appearances this past year.
A shining light in a struggling team
Despite his recent physical setbacks, the dynamic skater has consistently shone on the ice.
He secured the Calder Trophy as the league’s rookie of the year following his highly anticipated debut in October 2023.
The generational talent then continued his rapid development last season, setting career highs with 30 goals and 45 assists.
However, Chicago’s collective struggles remain evident as they finished 31st in the overall standings for a third consecutive year.
The franchise has not tasted postseason hockey since 2020, though a recent 11-point improvement offers a glimmer of hope.
Captaincy awaits the young star?
With his long-term future now resolved, attention turns to whether the franchise centrepiece will be named the 36th captain in Chicago’s history.
He stepped up to serve as an alternate captain in March after management traded away the team’s entire veteran leadership group.
Fellow forward Oliver Moore strongly backed his teammate to take on the prestigious permanent role.
“I think that he has every leadership quality to be a captain in this league. He brings it every day.”