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.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Forward Brady Tkachuk was traded to the Florida Panthers, where he will join brother Matthews.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Forward Brady Tkachuk was traded to the Florida Panthers, where he will join brother Matthews.
(James Guillory, Imagn Images)
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Forward Pavel Dorofeyev was traded to the New York Rangers.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Defenseman Darnell Nurse was traded to the San Jose Sharks.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Defenseman Simon Nemec was traded to the Calgary Flames.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Forward Vincent Trocheck was traded to the Utah Mammoth.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Forward JJ Peterka was traded to the Boston Bruins.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Forward Mason McTavish was traded to the St. Louis Blues.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Mavrik Bourque was traded to the Nashville Predators.
(Steve Roberts, Imagn Images)
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Defenseman Bowen Byram was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Forward Alex Tuch joined the Washington Capitals in a sign-and-trade.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Forward Jordan Kyrou was traded to the Washington Capitals.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Goalie Jacob Markstrom was traded to the Florida Panthers.
(David Kirouac, Imagn Images)
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Forward Blake Coleman was traded to the Minnesota Wild.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Forward Keegan Kolesar was traded to the Detroit Red Wings.
(James Guillory-Imagn Images)
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Forward Nick Paul was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Forward William Eklund was traded to the Ottawa Senators.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Defenseman Darren Raddysh joined the Toronto Maple Leafs in a sign-and-trade deal.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Forward Nick Paul was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Defenseman Marcus Pettersson was traded to the New York Rangers.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Goaltender Joonas Korpisalo was traded to the New York Rangers.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Goaltender Frederik Andersen signed with the Edmonton Oilers.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Forward Viktor Arvidsson signed with the Detroit Red Wings.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Forward Mason Marchment signed with the San Jose Sharks.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Defenseman John Carlson was signed by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Forward Jack Roslovic signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Forward Jaden Schwartz signed with the Colorado Avalanche.
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NHL players who changed teams in the offseason
Defenseman Ian Cole signed with the Chicago Blackhawks.
(Stephen R. Sylvanie, Imagn Images)
“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
July 20: Arbitration hearings begin
Dec. 18-20: 2026 NHL Global Series Germany (Blackhawks vs. Senators in Dusseldorf)
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
