Connor Bedard couldn’t wait a single day after his 18th birthday to sign his three-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.
On the first day he was able to sign a legally binding contract, he did so, and made it official that the most hyped pick in Blackhawks history would be sporting the Chicago sweater in October.
After finishing third-worst in the NHL standings last season, it seemed as if the Blackhawks had missed out on what some had called “the prospect of the century”. But their 11.5% chance held out, as they jumped to the first overall pick via the NHL Lottery. The lottery, which was held almost two months before the draft, all but ensured that the Blackhawks wouldn’t be too surprised on draft night, and that they would get the best prospect by far.
After drafting Bedard at the end of June, as well as grabbing Oliver Moore at the 19th overall pick, the draftees were welcomed to Chicago with open arms, with Bedard even throwing out the first pitch at a Cubs game. A week later, the young prospects broke Development Camp, as fans said goodbye to many of the players for the foreseeable future. Many departed to join their college hockey teams, with some planning to spend the year in the CHL or AHL.
That doesn’t apply to Bedard, however, as starting on opening night is the bare minimum for him in the eyes of many fans. He’s expected to play center on the top line, and many project upwards of 70 points for him in his inaugural season. It’s clear the pressure is on.
Bedard’s signing came at a lull in the Blackhawks’ offseason, with little news to speak of. While it’s not a surprise (though some predicted he would refuse to sign his contract due to the Blackhawks’ sexual assault scandal in 2021), it serves as a reminder that Bedard to Chicago isn’t just a dream for many fans – it’s really happening.
Bedard’s deal carries a $950,000 annual cap hit for each of the three years, but also contains up to $3.5 million in performance bonuses annually. If he makes it to 2026 without receiving an extension, which is an idea straight out of Blackhawks fans’ worst nightmares, he’ll be a restricted free agent at age 20. For now, though, and for the next three seasons, we can echo the phrase we’ve come to love hearing: Bedard is a Blackhawk!
