The Chicago Blackhawks have reached an agreement with forward Connor Bedard, the No. 1 overall draft pick, on a three-year entry-level contract. The deal, announced on Bedard’s 18th birthday, will run through the 2025-26 season and carry an annual salary cap hit of $950,000, the maximum allowed.
Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson expressed his excitement about signing Bedard, emphasizing that it marks a significant step in building a new foundation for the organization. Davidson expects Bedard to play a vital role in pushing the team forward in the coming years.
Connor Bedard becomes only the second No. 1 overall pick in Blackhawks history, joining Patrick Kane, who was selected first overall in 2007. Kane played a pivotal role in the Blackhawks’ success, helping the team capture three Stanley Cups between 2010 and 2015. However, Kane’s tenure with the Blackhawks ended in February when he was traded to the New York Rangers.
Bedard, standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 185 pounds, spent the past three seasons playing for the Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and has also showcased his skills on the international stage. Bedard was granted exceptional status by the WHL, making him the league’s first player and the seventh player in Canadian Hockey League history to be granted such status. This allowed Bedard to play in the major junior ranks at the age of 15. In the 2021-22 season, Bedard became the youngest WHL player to score 50 goals, finishing with 51 goals in 62 games. In the following season, he amassed an impressive 143 points (71 goals, 72 assists in 57 games), the highest total in the league since 1995-96.
Internationally, Bedard has had notable success, accumulating 36 points (17 goals, 19 assists) in 16 games at the world junior championship. His point total ranks fourth in tournament history, trailing only Peter Forsberg, Robert Reichel, and Pavel Bure.
Bedard expressed his enthusiasm about being drafted by an Original Six team like the Blackhawks. He feels honored to be part of the team’s future and is excited to contribute to the rich sports history of the organization and the city of Chicago.
