The Chicago Blackhawks finally made moves in the NHL offseason, and it was a big investment. After inking Frank Nazar to a big extension, Connor Bedard dropped a two-word message addressing the news coming out of Chi-town.
The Blackhawks wasted no time securing a key piece of their future. And why should they? After coming to terms with Nazar on a record-setting deal, the Hawks can now fully focus on the NHL season.
Bedard remains without an extension for when the 2025–26 NHL campaign comes to an end. Still, Kyle Davidson and the front office in Chicago are apparently unconcerned.
In times when being nonchalant is seen as a virtue, the Hawks are definitely playing their cards that way. So, while Bedard has yet to sign a new deal, he had two words for Nazar, who has now etched his name into the long run in the Windy City.
Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks against the Montreal Canadiens at United Center.
“Rich, rich,” Connor Bedard wrote on an Instagram story reposting the news of Nazar’s extension.
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Here comes the money
As announced by the Blackhawks, Nazar has now signed a seven-year, $46.20 million extension. The contract will begin effect in the 2026-27 season, as Nazar has a year remaining on his three-year, entry level contract (ELC).
Nazar has now become the highest-paid player in NHL history to have less than 60 career appearances. He surpassed Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov, who had signed a five-year, $45 million deal in 2021 with only 55 games on his back. Nazar has only played 56 games in Chicago, but the Blackhawks know just how important he is. Now, his paycheck will showcase that.
Frank Nazar of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates a goal at United Center.
Not for long
Many might think Nazar will now make more money a year than Bedard in Chicago. But they’d be wrong. As it stands, both Bedard and Nazar are entering the final years of their ELCs. However, Bedard’s deal includes bonuses that make his paycheck sizeable.
While his cap hit is only $950,000, Bedard’s contract has an average annual value (AAV) of $4.45 million, whereas Nazar’s AAV is $1.55 million. Bedard is expected to sign a new deal sometime in the upcoming season or the summer of 2026.
SurveyAfter learning of Nazar's extension, how much will Bedard ask for his contract?
After learning of Nazar's extension, how much will Bedard ask for his contract?
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The former first overall pick is set to put pen to paper on an even bigger deal than Nazar’s. Still, it’s all full of ifs and hypotheticals. Factually speaking, as of today, Nazar would earn more money than Bedard next season.
