Blackhawks' Connor Bedard agrees to lucrative five-year deal

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.

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.

Forward Brady Tkachuk was traded to the Florida Panthers, where he will join brother Matthews.

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Forward Brady Tkachuk was traded to the Florida Panthers, where he will join brother Matthews.

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Forward Pavel Dorofeyev was traded to the New York Rangers.

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Defenseman Darnell Nurse was traded to the San Jose Sharks.

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Forward Vincent Trocheck was traded to the Utah Mammoth.

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Forward JJ Peterka was traded to the Boston Bruins.

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Forward Mason McTavish was traded to the St. Louis Blues.

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Mavrik Bourque was traded to the Nashville Predators.

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Defenseman Bowen Byram was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks.

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Forward Alex Tuch joined the Washington Capitals in a sign-and-trade.

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Forward Jordan Kyrou was traded to the Washington Capitals.

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Goalie Jacob Markstrom was traded to the Florida Panthers.

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Forward Keegan Kolesar was traded to the Detroit Red Wings.

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Defenseman Darren Raddysh joined the Toronto Maple Leafs in a sign-and-trade deal.

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Forward Nick Paul was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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Goaltender Frederik Andersen signed with the Edmonton Oilers.

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Forward Viktor Arvidsson signed with the Detroit Red Wings.

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Forward Mason Marchment signed with the San Jose Sharks.

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Defenseman John Carlson was signed by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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Forward Jack Roslovic signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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“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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The schedule for the 2026-27 NHL season will officially begin on Sept. 29 with five games on opening night

• July 20: Arbitration hearings begin

• Sept. 29: Opening night

• 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.

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.