Chicago Blackhawks Sign Connor Bedard to Three-Year Entry-Level Deal on His 18th Birthday
Chicago, IL – The Chicago Blackhawks made sure that Connor Bedard’s 18th birthday was one to remember by agreeing to terms on a three-year entry-level deal on Monday. Bedard, who is widely regarded as a potential generational talent, was selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft by the Blackhawks on June 28.
While there was never any doubt that Bedard would sign with the Blackhawks, the timing of the contract was the only question. Both the team and Bedard decided to wait until his official 18th birthday to finalize the deal, as neither party felt a rush to get it done.
Bedard recently attended the Blackhawks’ development camp and had his first experience with the organization and the city of Chicago. The young star expressed his excitement about the opportunity, saying, “Getting to come here, I was happy it was kind of right away (after the draft), get to the city, see everything and obviously meet all the staff, all the players, and being here and see the facilities and everything. I loved it and had a lot of fun.”
Since winning the draft lottery in April, the Blackhawks have seen a significant increase in fan engagement, with season-ticket sales soaring and Bedard jerseys flying off the racks. The team is hopeful that Bedard will have a similar impact on the ice this upcoming season, as he is expected to step in and become the Blackhawks’ No. 1 center from his very first game.
Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson has been cautious about declaring the team’s rebuild complete but acknowledged the significance of drafting Bedard. “Those players that can reach star potential are the hardest boxes and hardest positions to fill when you’re building a team, and obviously, first overall is a place where you hope you can get that,” said Davidson. “And I feel like we’ve got a player in Connor that has every chance to be that type of player for us.”
Bedard has been under the spotlight of the hockey world since being granted exceptional status by the Canadian Hockey League at the age of 14. He has long been considered the likely No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft. Despite the attention and pressure, Bedard remains focused on enjoying the game and being a normal teenager. “I’m a normal person in the end,” Bedard stated at the Blackhawks development camp. “I’m a human being, I’m still a 17-year-old kid. There are responsibilities that come along with the noise and attention and stuff, and I’m aware of that, but in the room, I’m just one of the guys and in life and with my family. I’m a normal person.”
As Bedard officially signs his entry-level deal and prepares to embark on his NHL career, the Blackhawks and their fans are eagerly anticipating his impact both on and off the ice. With his exceptional talent and humble attitude, Bedard has the potential to become a star player for the team and a beloved figure in the Chicago hockey community.