Blackhawks sign Connor Bedard to five-year extension

Bedard had 30 goals and 45 assists for 75 points in 69 games with the Blackhawks in 2025-26, setting career highs in all offensive categories. Through three NHL seasons, the 21-year-old has 75 goals and 128 assists for 203 points in 219 career NHL games.

“Connor has continuously defied our expectations since being drafted, and has quickly established himself as an elite player in the NHL,” Blackhawks’ general manager Kyle Davidson said in a team press release. “He utilizes all aspects of his game to not only be a constant threat, but to make the players around him better every time he steps on the ice.

“Connor’s strong work ethic and determination to always improve his game has set an extraordinary standard for our young core, and we’re excited for the incredible impact he’ll have in this next chapter of Blackhawks hockey,” Davidson added.

Chicago selected Bedard with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. In three seasons of junior hockey with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League, he scored 134 goals and recorded 137 assists for 271 points in 134 career regular-season games.

The North Vancouver, B.C., native has also represented Canada on numerous occasions at the international level. He was part of back-to-back IIHF World Junior Championship gold medal-winning squads in 2022 and 2023, where he scored 13 goals and added 18 assists for 31 points in 14 games between the two tournaments. He is the all-time goals and points leaders for Canada in World Junior history.