Around the NHL: Blackhawks sign Connor Bedard to 5-year extension worth $15M per year
Welcome to a weekend edition of Around the NHL. Free agency is winding down, and the FIFA World Cup Final takes place this afternoon, but there’s still plenty of significant items to keep eyes on. We have you covered on the latest across the league.
Blackhawks sign Connor Bedard to 5-year extension worth $15 million per yearConnor Bedard officially signed his long-term pact with the Chicago Blackhawks, signing a five-year pact worth $15 million per season. Chicago secures its franchise player for the foreseeable future, while still boasting one of the NHL’s deepest prospect pools. Bedard recorded 30 goals and 75 points in 69 games during the 2025-26 campaign. He is one of the NHL’s brightest stars, and though there have been periods where he hasn’t met the astronomical hype cast upon him, Bedard has often faced some of the league’s most difficult assignments, while being largely void of top-six talent on his wings.
“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,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a release.
Along with Bowen Byram, Bedard headlines Chicago’s core, and there is growing impatience about the club’s perpetual rebuild. Bedard is surely growing impatient with losing, and now the onus is on Bedard, Byram and the rest of Chicago’s young core to take a major leap during the 2026-27 campaign, while still years away from their prime contention window.
Flyers sign Jamie Drysdale to 4-year contract worth $6.5 million per year