Connor Bedard has signed a five-year, $75 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. The deal carries an annual cap hit of $15 million.
Chicago Blackhawks announced the signing on Saturday. Bedard, 21, becomes the third-highest paid player in the NHL behind Kirill Kaprizov and Leo Carlsson.
The center recorded 30 goals and 75 points in 69 games last season. Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said Bedard has exceeded expectations since being drafted first overall in 2023.
Bedard underwent shoulder surgery on July 8 and is expected to miss the start of the upcoming season.