Blackhawks sign Bedard to 3-year, entry-level deal

Connor Bedard celebrated his 18th birthday in style by agreeing to terms on a three-year, entry-level pact with the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday.

The Blackhawks selected Bedard with the first overall pick at the 2023 NHL Draft. The deal carries a cap hit of $950,000 with an additional $3.5 million available in performance bonuses, thus bringing up the average annual value to $4.45 million, according to CapFriendly.

"Signing Connor is a huge step in building a new foundation for our organization," general manager Kyle Davidson said in a release announcing the signing. "We're excited to see him grow and play a large role in pushing our team forward for many years to come."

Bedard is widely considered to be a world-breaking talent on the same wavelength as fellow No. 1 picks Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid. He paced the CHL in goals (71), points (143), and points per game (2.51) in 57 regular-season contests as a member of the WHL's Regina Pats this past season.

In honor of his efforts, Bedard won the CHL's Top Prospect Award, Top Scorer Award, and David Branch Player of the Year Award, becoming the first player to win all three in the same campaign.

The North Vancouver native was also tabbed the inaugural IIHF Male Player of the Year in June after he potted nine goals and 14 assists in seven games at the 2023 World Junior Championship.

Bedard is the Blackhawks' second No. 1 pick in franchise history, joining Patrick Kane, who was taken first in 2007.