Chicago announces deal with hockey's "next generational talent" on his 18th birthday.It was "done" before today.
The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to terms with the NHL's top 2023 draft pick, center Connor Bedard, on a three-year, entry-level contract that runs through the 2025-26 season. The deal has a $950,000 annual salary cap hit and maximum potential bonuses of $3.5 million per year.
The Blackhawks made the announcement in a news release at 9 a.m. CDT on July 17, Bedard's 18th birthday.
The team had created a video of a signing gathering with Bedard and his family in advance, probably when the forward was in Chicago for prospect development camp a week ago. Note the time on the clock (11:57) in the room at the Fifth Third Arena. the Blackhawks $75 million practice facility.
“Signing Connor is a huge step in building a new foundation for our organization,” said Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson in the release. “We’re excited to see him grow and play a large role in pushing our team forward for many years to come.”
The Blackhawks selected Bedard with the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, making the North Vancouver, B.C. native the second No. 1 overall selection in franchise history. Patrick Kane, taken in 2007, was the other.
Bedard's arrival "book-ends" the departures of team icons Kane and Jonathan Toews who led Chicago to Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013 and 2015. Bedard has said he "just wants to make" the Blackhawks this fall, but is already expected to be one of the team's top forwards. See our story on this site at: https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/analysis/connor-bedard-turns-18-at-least-blackhawks-chicago-fans-can-drink-to-that
“Being drafted by an Original Six team has been such a surreal experience and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of this team’s future,” Bedard said in the release. “The Blackhawks organization and the city of Chicago have such a rich sports history and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
Bedard is represented by Newport Sports Management, based in Mississauga, Ontario. The group specializes in working with NHL players and also negotiates promotional deals, such as Bedard's ambassador role with Canadian athletic apparel brand lululemon.
Bedard recorded 71 goals and 143 points in 57 regular-season games with the Regina Pats of the WHL in 2022-23 to lead the league in scoring. He added 10 goals and 20 points in seven postseason contests
The forward earned the Canadian Hockey League’s Player of the Year, Top Prospect and Top Scorer awards for the 2022-23, becoming the first player in CHL history to win all three in the same season.
Bedard helped Team Canada to a goal medal at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship leading all players with nine goals, 14 assists and 23 points – a new record for a Canadian in a WJC tournament. Bedard was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Best Forward, as well as the IIHF’s 2023 Male Player of the Year.