Leon Draisaitl's AAV Surpassed by Connor Bedard's New Deal

Leon Draisaitl's average annual value (AAV) record has been surpassed by Connor Bedard's new contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. Bedard signed a five-year, $75 million deal with the Blackhawks, which carries a $15 million AAV and runs through the 2030-31 season.

What happened?

Bedard's new contract immediately puts him ahead of Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl, whose $14 million AAV had previously been one of the highest in the league. The biggest question surrounding Bedard's extension is whether the Blackhawks star could have demanded even more money.

Why it matters for Leon Draisaitl

Bedard's agent, Don Meehan, said the final decision was entirely up to his client. "It's certainly reflective of the changing economic climate in our game today," Meehan said. "But as far as Connor was concerned, he was happy with the original position that we had submitted to Chicago and negotiated."

What comes next?

When his contract expires in 2031, Bedard will still be in the prime years of his career. 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.

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 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.

The contract is a major investment, but the Blackhawks believe Bedard is worth it. Bedard's new deal is a significant development in the NHL's changing economic landscape, and it will be interesting to see how it affects the league's top players in the years to come.