As the Chicago Blackhawks have signed Connor Bedard to a five-year contract with the franchise, the NHL star’s manager has shared details related to his contract extension. According to reports, the Blackhawks signed Bedard to a five-year, $75 million contract extension. The deal carries an average annual value of $15 million and one additional unrestricted free agent (UFA) season. While some expected Bedard to receive a richer contract after Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson signed a deal worth $18 million annually, Bedard’s agent said the 21-year-old intentionally chose a lower salary. But why did he opt to settle for this amount? Let’s find out the reason behind his decision.
Reason behind Connor Bedard settling for a lower salary with the Chicago Blackhawks
As the Chicago Blackhawks secured Connor Bedard with a long-term contract, a star agent revealed that the young forward deliberately accepted a lower salary. The Blackhawks signed Bedard to a five-year, $75 million contract extension, which carries an average annual value of $15 million. The deal covers his remaining restricted free agent years and one additional unrestricted free agent season.However, some expected that Bedard would command a higher salary after Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson signed a contract worth $18 million annually. But Bedard explained the reason behind the decision not to charge much because he had intentionally chosen not to maximize his earnings, preferring to give the Blackhawks greater salary cap flexibility to strengthen the roster around him.Speaking to The Athletic, Bedard’s agent, Don Meehan, admitted that Bedard left money on the table related to his contract after Leo Carlsson signed his monster offer. Meehan stated, “Carlsson’s contract is certainly reflective of the changing economic climate in our game today. But as far as Connor was concerned, he was happy with the original position that we had submitted to Chicago and negotiated. The agent further added, “He wanted the team to have as much leeway to make the team as effective and competitive as it could be. He became aware of the changing economic landscape, but that was his decision, entirely his decision.”In fact, he made it clear to the Blackhawks that he would not consider signing an offer sheet with another team, as he is content to stay in Chicago and be a part of a winning team going forward.“He had no intention of signing an offer sheet, that he was happy in Chicago, believed in the organization, believed in his teammates, and was quite content and happy to stay exactly where he was in Chicago,” Meehan stated.In 2025-26, Bedard scored 30 goals and 45 assists in 69 games, earning him 75 points. Bedard won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year in 2023–24. Choosing Bedard is a good decision, and he will certainly be the centerpiece of the Chicago Blackhawks’ rebuilding effort.Indeed, Bedard’s decision underscores his commitment to helping the Blackhawks return to Stanley Cup contention. He has prioritized the team’s success rather than his own individual earnings. This speaks enough of an established player like Bedard and the spirit he has.
