The No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft is
expected to be the top-line center when the Blackhawks open the
regular season.
"Signing Connor is a huge step in building a new foundation for
our organization," Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson
said. "We're excited to see him grow and play a large role in
pushing our team forward for many years to come."
Bedard's deal carries a maximum allowed $950,000 salary cap hit.
He had 143 points (71 goals) in 57 games with Regina in the
Western Hockey League last season.
The organization hasn't been shy about the height of
expectations around the prospect commonly described as a
generational talent.
"Those players that can reach star potential are the hardest
boxes and hardest positions to fill when you're building a team,
and obviously first overall is a place where you hope you can
get that," Davidson said last month. "And I feel like we've got
a player in Connor that has every chance to be that type of
player for us."
The Blackhawks finished last in the Central Division last
season, winning 26 games.
--Field Level Media
[© 2023 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be
published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.![](column_spacer.png) |
|