Connor Bedard signs $75 million extension as Blackhawks target playoff return

Chicago’s star forward Connor Bedard signed a five‑year, $75 million contract extension, making him the league’s third‑highest‑paid player at an average $15 million per season. Bedard said he is “very happy with the amount of money I’m making” and affirmed that Chicago is “the only place I want to play.”

He told reporters the Blackhawks’ sole goal is to break a six‑year playoff drought, adding that the team’s recent acquisitions – defenseman Bowen Byram, forward Jordan Greenway and defenseman Ian Cole – give “great” optimism for a postseason run. Bedard also expressed enthusiasm about the possible return of former Blackhawks captain Patrick Kane, calling the idea “incredible” and saying he can’t imagine the fan reaction if Kane re‑joins Chicago.

The extension came after Bedard recovered from shoulder surgery performed on July 8 and follows a summer in which he was linked to an offer sheet for Leo Carlsson; Bedard said the Carlsson offer “didn’t change anything I was thinking.” He is expected to miss the start of training camp as he continues rehabilitation. The Blackhawks finished last season with a modest 11‑point improvement but still sit at the bottom of the league, underscoring the urgency of Bedard’s renewed commitment.