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Blackhawks analyst provides hefty price tag on Connor Bedard's contract extension
Photo credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
NHL analyst Frank Seravalli is speculating on what kind of contract Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard can expect to sign rather than becoming a UFA.
The most important matter of business for Chicago Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson is to get a new contract for forward Connor Bedard, who was the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
Not many people were happy that the Blackhawks won the Draft Lottery, but they shut out the outside noise and used the pick to take Bedard, who was the consensus first overall pick and is now the face of the franchise.
Bedard is now playing in the third and final year of his entry level contract, and he's eligible to become a UFA at the end of the season.
NHL analyst Frank Seravalli recently speculated that Bedard's next contract could include an AAV (average annual value) of anywhere between $12.5 million and $15 million.
"If we're talking about an eight year deal, Connor Bedard is likely to land somewhere between $12.5-15 million a year. Yes, a relatively big spread at this point and time, but it helps us the goal posts somewhere between $100 million and $120 million over the term of the deal.
I think the Chicago Blackhawks are going to be relatively comfortable knowing the salary cap is increasing in a significant way."
I think the Chicago Blackhawks are going to be relatively comfortable knowing the salary cap is increasing in a significant way."
The Blackhawks already have considerable cap space, and with the cap expecting to rise, it gives them even more room to sign Bedard.
How Does Connor Bedard's Next Contract Compare To Patrick Kane?
In 2010, when the salary cap was considerably lower, the Blackhawks signed Patrick Kane to a five-year deal with an AAV of $6.3 million when his entry-level contract expired.
They also signed Jonathan Toews to an identical contract; both players then signed mega deals after they helped the Blackhawks win their third Stanley Cup in six years.
Bedard has the chance to get the richest contract in the history of the Blackhawks with his next deal.
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