Connor Bedard Becomes 3rd Highest Paid NHL Player With New Extension
He won’t be ready for the start of the 2026-27 season, but Connor Bedard will be the third highest paid player in hockey when opening night rolls around. Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks have come to terms on a five-year extension with a $15 million AAV.
𝐄 𝐗 𝐓 𝐄 𝐍 𝐃 𝐄 𝐃 🏠
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 18, 2026
from draft night to his first goal on UC ice and every moment in between, here’s to 𝟓 more years of 𝟗𝟖 in Chicago ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Cvad2ECxbC
Bedard now comes in only behind Leo Carlson ($18M) and Kirill Kaprizov ($17M) on the earnings chart.
The former No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NHL Draft underwent shoulder surgery last week after an awkward fall into the boards during an offseason practice in Vancouver. He is expected to be sidelined for approximately four months.
Bedard took huge steps forward in his third season, setting career highs with 30 goals and 45 assists for 75 points in 69 games.
“Connor has continuously defied our expectations since being drafted, and has quickly established himself as an elite player in the NHL,” general manager Kyle Davidson said in a release. “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."