Connor Bedard Inks Five-year, $75 Million Deal With Blackhawks

WHO:

NY Post - Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks

Fox News - Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks

The New York Times - Connor Bedard, Kyle Davidson (Blackhawks general manager), Danny Wirtz (Blackhawks chairman and CEO)

WHAT:

The New York Times - Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson stated, “Connor has continuously defied our expectations since being drafted, and has quickly established himself as an elite player in the NHL.”

The New York Times - Blackhawks chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz expressed, “We couldn’t be happier with how Connor has shown up every single night, the way he competes, the way he now leads this team in many ways.”

The New York Times - Bedard stated, “I want to win here for as long as I’m playing,” emphasizing his commitment to the Blackhawks' success.

The New York Times - Bedard mentioned, “It’d be an honor,” regarding the possibility of being named captain of the Blackhawks.

Pro Football Network - Connor Bedard’s agent stated that Bedard prioritized Chicago’s long-term success over maximizing his salary.

Sportskeeda - Connor Bedard preferred a contract extension shorter than five years, according to his agent Don Meehan.

Fox News - Bedard's contract locks him up as a restricted free agent, ending hopes for another NHL offer sheet this offseason.

The New York Times - Bedard's contract extension buys out only one year of unrestricted free agency.

The New York Times - Bedard had 11 goals and 20 assists over his final 38 games after returning from his shoulder injury.

Fox News - Connor Bedard signed a five-year contract extension worth $75 million, averaging $15 million per year.

The New York Times - The contract extension is the third largest in the NHL in terms of average annual value, behind Leo Carlsson ($18 million) and Kirill Kaprizov ($17 million).

The New York Times - Bedard's contract will keep him with the Blackhawks through the 2030-31 season.

The New York Times - Bedard had 19 goals and 25 assists in his first 31 games of the season before a shoulder injury affected his performance.

WHERE:

The New York Times - Chicago, Illinois

WHEN:

The New York Times - Bedard's contract extension was announced on a Saturday afternoon, a day after he turned 21.

The New York Times - Bedard is expected to return from his shoulder injury in early November.

WHY:

The New York Times - Bedard expressed a desire to win Stanley Cup championships with the Chicago Blackhawks.

The New York Times - The contract extension was vital to Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson's rebuild plan.

HOW:

The New York Times - Bedard was promoted to alternate captain after the Blackhawks traded veterans Nick Foligno, Connor Murphy, and Jason Dickinson at the trade deadline. He could be named captain later this offseason.

The New York Times - Bedard expressed that being named captain would be "an honor" and "extremely special."

The New York Times - Bedard downplayed contract talks throughout the season and expressed loyalty to the organization and belief in the management's rebuild plan.

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson praised Connor Bedard, stating that he has consistently exceeded expectations since being drafted and has quickly become an elite player in the NHL. Chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz echoed this sentiment, expressing their happiness with Bedard's performance and leadership on the team. Bedard himself expressed a strong commitment to the Blackhawks' success, saying, “I want to win here for as long as I’m playing,” and added that it would be an honor to be named captain.