
Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard has a contract in hand as he rehabs from shoulder surgery.
The team announced on Saturday, July 18, that the 2023 No. 1 overall pick has agreed to a five-year, $75 million contract with a $15 million cap hit.
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That puts him third in the league behind Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson, whose $18 million cap hit came via an offer sheet, and Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov ($17 million).
Bedard, 21, has 203 points in 219 career NHL games with Chicago in three seasons from 2023-26. He set career highs last season with 30 goals, 45 assists and 75 points in 69 games.
The only drawback has been injuries. He had surgery on his left shoulder on July 8 after being injured while training in Vancouver and will miss more than a month of the 2026-27 regular season. He injured his other shoulder last season and suffered a broken jaw in his rookie year.
“Connor has continuously defied our expectations since being drafted, and has quickly established himself as an elite player in the NHL,” said Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson. “He utilizes all aspects of his game to not only be a constant threat, but 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.”
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Connor Bedard contract details
According to puckpedia.com, Bedard’s contract includes five signing bonuses of $9.8 million each. Bedard wears No. 98. The contract is also front-loaded. Here are the details:
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When does the 2026-27 NHL season begin?
The schedule for the 2026-27 NHL season will officially begin on Sept. 29 with five games on opening night
NHL key dates 2026-27
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July 20: Arbitration hearings begin
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Dec. 18-20: 2026 NHL Global Series Germany (Blackhawks vs. Senators in Dusseldorf)
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Feb. 6: NHL All-Star Game at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard agrees to lucrative five-year contract
