Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard remains under his initial entry-level contract and has not signed a five-year, $75 million extension. While recent social media speculation suggested a massive new deal, the 19-year-old remains tied to his standard three-year entry-level contract, which runs through the 2025-26 NHL season.
Current Contract Status for Connor Bedard
Connor Bedard is currently playing under the three-year, $13.35 million entry-level contract he signed with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 17, 2023. According to official NHL salary records via [CapFriendly](https://www.capfriendly.com/players/connor-bedard), the contract carries an annual average value (AAV) of $950,000, the maximum allowable for an entry-level deal.
Because Bedard is currently in the second year of this three-year agreement, he is not yet eligible for a long-term extension that would carry an AAV of $15 million, as suggested by recent viral rumors. Under the current NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), players entering the final year of their entry-level contracts become eligible for extensions starting on July 1 of that year.
NHL Rules on Entry-Level Extensions
The framework of NHL contracts is strictly governed by the league’s CBA. For a player drafted first overall, such as Bedard, the entry-level salary is standardized. Teams cannot deviate from these set figures, and players cannot sign extensions that exceed the standard entry-level terms until they reach the final year of that initial deal.
If Bedard were to sign a massive extension, it would represent a significant departure from established league salary structures. For comparison, the highest-paid players in the NHL currently feature AAVs ranging from $12 million to $13.5 million. A $15 million AAV would set a new record for the highest salary cap hit in league history.
The Source of Recent Contract Rumors
The reports circulating regarding a $75 million deal appear to be fabricated. No reputable sports news organizations, including ESPN, NHL.com, or The Athletic, have reported any such agreement. The Chicago Blackhawks have issued no press releases or official communications regarding a contract extension for the reigning Calder Memorial Trophy winner.
Bedard, who recorded 61 points in his debut 2023-24 season, remains a cornerstone of the Blackhawks’ rebuilding efforts. While the team is expected to prioritize his long-term retention when he becomes extension-eligible, no financial terms have been negotiated or finalized at this time.
Key Facts Regarding Bedard’s NHL Career
- Draft Status: Selected 1st overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
- Current Contract: Three-year entry-level deal expiring at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
- Annual Salary: $950,000 AAV.
- Eligibility: Bedard cannot sign a standard long-term contract extension until the 2025 offseason.
As the Blackhawks continue their current campaign, Bedard remains focused on his sophomore season. Any future contract negotiations will be conducted in accordance with standard NHL procedures, with official confirmation provided by the team and the league’s central registry.