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Fans bombard Connor Bedard at local practice arena for a special occasion
Photo credit: Chicago Hockey Now
Young fans bombarded Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard during a recent practice in Vancouver for a special occasion - his 20th birthday.
Connor Bedard is only 20 years old, and he's already the face of the Chicago Blackhawks. Will he be able to help them to a postseason spot this year, or at least compete for one?
Bedard, who was taken with the 1st overall pick by the Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, turned 20 on Thursday while in his offseason home in Vancouver.
During a practice session at a local rink, young fans made things special for him by singing 'Happy Birthday'.
Bedard, who led the Blackhawks in points in each of his opening 2 years in the NHL, is also set to enter the last year of his current contract with an AAV (average annual value) of $950,000.
That's a number that will substantially rise in his next deal. Per Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson, the team is optimistic that they'll soon be able to get a new contract with their most important young player.
We'll see, but if we're able to get something done (soon), that would be fantastic. But if we don't, I think it's probably more so out of the uncertainty around how the League and the system is going to be growing or impacted moving forward than anything player/team related.
Chicago will also be entering the year with a new head coach, as former Detroit Red Wings head coach and Tampa Bay Lightning assistant Jeff Blashill was hired to fill that role.
Anders Sorenson, who took over from the fired Luke Richardson this year, will remain on Blashill's staff as an assistant.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 18 | 781 ANSWERS Fans bombard Connor Bedard at local practice arena for a special occasion Will the Blackhawks have any trouble getting Connor Bedard to sign a new contract? | ||
| Yes | 361 | 46.2 % |
| No | 420 | 53.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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