Connor Bedard‘s five-year, $75 million extension with the Chicago Blackhawks has sparked debate across the NHL. While the $15 million average annual value ranks among the league’s richest contracts, NHL analyst Josh Yohe believes the deal could eventually look like a bargain.
Yohe shared his view after a hockey analysis page broke down Bedard’s development. The post praised the Blackhawks center’s offensive talent while highlighting noticeable improvements before last season’s injury.
It read, “Connor Bedard, signed 5x$15M by CHI, is an extremely skilled young forward. In addition to his ability as a passer, shooter, and handler, he added footspeed and motor this season and was on track for a monster season until an injury derailed it and he wasn’t the same after.”
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Yohe agreed with that assessment.
“This sounds about right for Bedard,” Yohe wrote. “He very much showed he was becoming a star until he got hurt last season.”
He then looked beyond the current market. “Deal might look like a bargain in three years with the way contracts are exploding.”
NHL rising salary cap changes the conversation
Bedard’s contract places him among the NHL’s highest-paid players entering the 2026-27 season. Only Leo Carlsson at $18 million and Kirill Kaprizov at $17 million carry larger cap hits.
The 21-year-old shares the $15 million tier while remaining ahead of Leon Draisaitl, Jack Eichel, and Auston Matthews in annual value. Those rankings reflect a rapidly changing financial landscape as league revenues continue rising.
Here’s the list of the NHL’s top-paid players (AAV-wise) after Bedard’s contract:
| Rank | Player | Team | AAV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leo Carlsson | Anaheim Ducks | $18.0 million |
| 2 | Kirill Kaprizov | Minnesota Wild | $17.0 million |
| 3 | Connor Bedard | Chicago Blackhawks | $15.0 million |
| 4 | Leon Draisaitl | Edmonton Oilers | $14.0 million |
| 5 | Jack Eichel | Vegas Golden Knights | $13.5 million |
| 6 | Auston Matthews | Toronto Maple Leafs | $13.25 million |
Bedard earned the extension after another productive season. He recorded 75 points in 69 games and surpassed 200 career points before his 21st birthday. He has also led Chicago in scoring during each of his first three NHL seasons.
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Why did Chicago give Connor Bedard a $15M AAV?
The Blackhawks view Bedard as the centerpiece of their rebuilding project. General manager Kyle Davidson praised both his production and leadership after announcing the extension.
“Connor has continuously defied our expectations since being drafted, and has quickly established himself as an elite player in the NHL,” Davidson said.
“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.”
Yohe’s assessment reflects where the league is heading rather than where it stands today. Contracts signed under a rising salary cap often appear expensive initially before becoming relative values.
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Chicago has also strengthened its supporting cast by acquiring Bowen Byram and continuing its investment in young talent. If that core develops as expected, Bedard’s contract could become one of the league’s better long-term investments while giving the Blackhawks a legitimate foundation for sustained playoff contention.
