‘Very happy with the amount of money I’m making’: Blackhawks’ Bedard on new contract

One of the top players in the game has to pinch himself a little when thinking about his new deal.

When speaking to members of the media on Monday, Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard was asked about his new five-year contract that he signed this past weekend.

“Obviously very happy to get it done,” Bedard said. “I’m very happy with the amount of money I’m making. It’s a lot.”

After finishing up his three-year, entry-level contract, the former No. 1 overall pick signed an extension that will see him get paid a total of $75 million over the span of the deal – an AAV of $15 million. It makes Bedard the third-highest-paid player in the NHL, trailing Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov ($17 million AAV) and Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson ($18 million AAV).

While there was some speculation that he might be offer-sheeted this summer, Bedard noted that he only wanted to play in the Windy City.

“Chicago is the only place I want to play…I’m very happy to get this deal signed and just focus on the team.”

In his brief time in the NHL, Bedard has established himself as a superstar, bringing light to what has been some pretty dark years for the Blackhawks. After an impressive rookie season, which saw the North Vancouver native win the Calder Trophy after scoring 22 goals and 39 assists for 61 points, Bedard further showed what made him an elite prospect in his junior career. He posted 67 points in 82 games during his sophomore campaign, notching career highs in goals (30), assists (45) and points (75) in 2025-26, despite appearing in just 69 games due to injury.

In 219 games with Chicago, Bedard has scored 75 goals and 128 assists for 203 points.

The Blackhawks will have to wait for the 21-year-old to make good on his new contract. The youngster underwent surgery earlier this month to repair a shoulder injury he sustained during offseason training, which could keep him out of action until November.