Connor Bedard met with the media on Monday for the first time since signing his five-year, $75 million contract extension with the Chicago Blackhawks, and one of the biggest questions centered around a topic hockey fans have debated for weeks:
Why did Bedard sign for $15 million per season when Leo Carlsson is making $18 million?
His answer was surprisingly straightforward.
Carlsson’s Contract Didn’t Affect His Negotiations
When asked whether Leo Carlsson’s record-setting five-year, $90 million contract with the Anaheim Ducks changed what he wanted from Chicago, Bedard said it didn’t impact his thinking at all.
Instead of chasing the highest AAV in NHL history, Bedard said he was already comfortable with where negotiations were headed.
“I’m very happy with the amount of money I’m making. It’s a lot.”
He also pointed out that Carlsson’s situation was unique because it involved an offer sheet from another organization.
Bedard explained that an offer sheet creates a different negotiating environment than a standard contract extension with your own team, making it difficult to compare the two situations directly.
Chicago Was Always His First Choice
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the interview was Bedard’s commitment to the Blackhawks.
For years, there has been constant speculation about whether the former first-overall pick would eventually look elsewhere if Chicago’s rebuild stalled. Bedard pushed back on those ideas once again.
He said Chicago is “the only place I want to play,” adding that watching the organization’s young core develop has only strengthened his belief in the direction of the franchise.
That message is likely to resonate with Blackhawks fans, especially after weeks of headlines comparing his contract to Carlsson’s.
The Goal Is the Playoffs
Even though Bedard is recovering from shoulder surgery and is expected to miss the beginning of the 2026-27 season, he’s already focused on what comes next.
The 21-year-old made it clear that Chicago isn’t satisfied with another rebuilding season.
“We want to take a big step this year. We want to be a playoff team and that’s our only goal.”
It’s the strongest public statement yet from Bedard about where he believes the Blackhawks should be heading.
Patrick Kane?
Bedard was also asked about reports linking Blackhawks legend Patrick Kane to a potential return to Chicago.
He admitted the possibility is exciting.
Bedard said adding a player of Kane’s caliber would not only make Chicago a better team but would also give him the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest players in franchise history. He added that he hopes it happens and said the atmosphere for Kane’s first game back at the United Center would be incredible.
A Team-First Mentality
Looking back, Bedard’s contract may end up being remembered for what he didn’t ask for.
Many around the league believed Chicago would have had little choice but to exceed Carlsson’s $18 million annual salary if Bedard had demanded it. Instead, he chose a deal worth $15 million per season, keeping himself among the NHL’s highest-paid players while leaving the Blackhawks with more long-term salary cap flexibility.
Whether that extra flexibility eventually translates into playoff success remains to be seen.
But after hearing Bedard speak on Monday, one thing is clear: he isn’t worried about winning the salary race.
He’s focused on winning hockey games.
