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Connor Bedard got the birthday present he wanted.
As he turned 18 Monday, the Chicago Blackhawks announced they’ve agreed to terms with Bedard, the No. 1 pick in last month’s NHL draft, locking up the cornerstone of their future.
The three-year, $13.35 million contract ($950,000 salary-cap hit) runs through the 2025-26 season and matches the deal that last year’s No. 1 pick, Juraj Slafkovsky, signed with the Montreal Canadiens.
“Signing Connor is a huge step in building a new foundation for our organization,” general manager Kyle Davidson said in a team statement. “We’re excited to see him grow and play a large role in pushing our team forward for many years to come.”
Bedard said in a team statement: “Being drafted by an Original Six team has been such a surreal experience and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of this team’s future. The Blackhawks organization and the city of Chicago have such a rich sports history and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
The Hawks hope the 5-foot-9, 185-pound forward can become an offensive powerhouse in the NHL.
Last season with the Western Hockey League’s Regina Pats, Bedard led the league in goals (71) and tied for first in assists (72), earning the Bobby Clarke Trophy as the league points leader and winning player of the year.
He became the first player in Canadian Hockey League history to sweep its top awards: Player of the Year, Top Prospect and Top Scorer.
Bedard also excelled on the international stage, leading Canada to the gold medal at this year’s IIHF World Junior Championship. He totaled nine goals and 14 assists and was named the tournament’s most valuable player.
At 14, he became the seventh player in CHL history — and the first in the WHL — to be granted exceptional player status for his age-15 season.
“Anytime a player gets exceptional status to play in the Canadian Hockey League, right away they’re there on that platform,” Dan Marr, director of NHL Central Scouting, told the Tribune. “You pay attention.”
