Connor Bedard's Agent Clarifies Blackhawks Star's Contract Intentions

Connor Bedard's new contract with the Chicago Blackhawks has made him the third-highest-paid player in the NHL by average annual value, with a $15 million AAV and a five-year, $75 million deal that runs through the 2030-31 season.

What happened?

Connor Bedard's agent, Don Meehan, clarified the young star's intentions after signing a new contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. The deal has made Bedard the third-highest-paid player in the NHL by average annual value, with a $15 million AAV and a five-year, $75 million contract that runs through the 2030-31 season.

Why it matters for Connor Bedard

Bedard's agent said the final decision was entirely up to his client, and that the young star was happy with the original position that was submitted to Chicago and negotiated. Bedard wanted the team to have as much leeway to make the team as effective and competitive as it could be.

What comes next?

When his contract expires in 2031, Bedard will still be in the prime years of his career, and with the salary cap expected to soar, he could be in an excellent position to sign a massive long-term contract that could break league records. Bedard has led the Blackhawks in scoring in each of his first three NHL seasons and recently passed the 200-point mark in his career.

Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson had no hesitation about committing $75 million to the young star. "Connor has continuously defied our expectations since being drafted, and has quickly established himself as an elite player in the NHL," Davidson said. "He sets an extraordinary standard for our young core."

The contract is a major investment, but the Blackhawks believe Bedard is the type of player who can transform the franchise. However, Chicago will have to wait a little longer to see its star back on the ice. Bedard underwent left shoulder surgery after suffering an offseason training injury and is expected to miss the start of the regular season, with a recovery timeline of around four months.

When he does return, Bedard will be expected to lead a young Chicago team that is trying to finally move beyond the bottom of the NHL standings. The Blackhawks believe Bedard is the type of player who can transform the franchise, and with his new contract, he will be expected to lead the team to success.

"Connor has continuously defied our expectations since being drafted, and has quickly established himself as an elite player in the NHL," Davidson said. "He sets an extraordinary standard for our young core."

The contract is a major investment, but the Blackhawks believe Bedard is worth it. With his new deal, Bedard will be expected to lead the team to success and help the Blackhawks move beyond the bottom of the NHL standings.

Bedard's agent, Don Meehan, said the final decision was entirely up to his client, and that the young star was happy with the original position that was submitted to Chicago and negotiated. Bedard wanted the team to have as much leeway to make the team as effective and competitive as it could be.

The Blackhawks believe Bedard is the type of player who can transform the franchise, and with his new contract, he will be expected to lead the team to success. When he does return, Bedard will be expected to lead a young Chicago team that is trying to finally move beyond the bottom of the NHL standings.

category: player_focus