Connor Bedard, the highly-touted prospect, who was the top pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, has inked a three-year, entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. The deal, which was finalized on his 18th birthday, carries an annual cap hit of $950,000 and will keep him with the team until the 2025-26 season.
Blackhawks’ general manager, Kyle Davidson, expressed enthusiasm about the signing, stating that bringing in Bedard marks a significant milestone in rebuilding the team. They envision him playing a crucial role in the team’s success for many years to come.
In the previous season with the Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League, Bedard showcased his exceptional talent, accumulating an impressive 143 points in 57 regular-season games, including 71 goals and 72 assists. He led the WHL in points, goals, and tied for first in assists, demonstrating his prowess on the ice. Even during the postseason, Bedard’s performance was noteworthy, with 10 goals and 20 points in just seven games.
Bedard’s excitement was evident as he mentioned being drafted by an Original Six team like the Blackhawks, considering it a surreal experience to be a part of the team’s future. He acknowledged the rich sports history of the organization and the city of Chicago, expressing honor in becoming a part of it.
The Blackhawks have previously held the first overall pick only once before, in the 2007 NHL Draft, when they selected superstar forward Patrick Kane, who was traded after 15 years with the team during the 2022-23 season.
Having achieved an impressive 271 points in 134 career regular-season games with Regina over the last three seasons, Bedard has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with. He had previously been the first overall pick in the 2020 WHL Draft at the age of just 15 and has since shown consistent growth and leadership, even serving as the Pats’ team captain during the 2022-23 campaign.
Bedard’s exceptional skills have secured him a spot on Chicago’s Opening Night roster, where he is expected to play a pivotal role as the team’s top-line center. The Blackhawks are eager to see him shine and contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NHL prospect
Q: Who did the Chicago Blackhawks select with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft?
A: The Chicago Blackhawks selected Connor Bedard with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Q: How long is Connor Bedard’s contract with the Blackhawks?
A: Connor Bedard’s contract with the Blackhawks is for three years, and it is an entry-level contract.
Q: What is the annual cap hit of Bedard’s contract?
A: The annual cap hit of Connor Bedard’s contract with the Blackhawks is $950,000.
Q: What were Connor Bedard’s statistics in the 2022-23 season with the Regina Pats?
A: In the 2022-23 season with the Regina Pats, Connor Bedard recorded 143 points in 57 regular-season games, comprising 71 goals and 72 assists. He also scored 10 goals and had 20 points in seven playoff games.
Q: How does Connor Bedard feel about being drafted by the Blackhawks?
A: Connor Bedard expressed excitement and honor to be drafted by an Original Six team like the Blackhawks. He feels thrilled to be part of the team’s future and acknowledges the rich sports history of the organization and the city of Chicago.
Q: Has the Chicago Blackhawks had the No. 1 pick before in the NHL Draft?
A: Yes, the Chicago Blackhawks had the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft once before in the 2007 NHL Draft when they selected superstar forward Patrick Kane.
Q: What has been Connor Bedard’s career performance so far in the WHL?
A: Over the past three seasons with the Regina Pats in the WHL, Connor Bedard has accumulated 271 points in 134 career regular-season games, with 134 goals and 137 assists. He has consistently showcased exceptional talent and even served as the Pats’ team captain during the 2022-23 season.
Q: What role is Connor Bedard expected to play on the Blackhawks?
A: Connor Bedard is expected to appear on the Blackhawks’ Opening Night roster and will likely serve as the team’s top-line center, playing a pivotal role in their success on the ice.
More about NHL prospect
- Chicago Blackhawks Official Website
- NHL Draft Central
- Connor Bedard’s Player Profile
- Regina Pats Official Website
- Western Hockey League (WHL) Official Website
- Patrick Kane’s Player Profile
- Original Six Teams in NHL
2 comments
Yesss, Bedard’s gonna rock the ice! he’s got so many points, he’s a real talntd center! #blackhawks #NHLDraft
Patrick Kane was a legend for da blackhawks, hope Bedard’s just as gr8! Original six teams have such a cool histy, glad he’s excited bout bein’ part of it!