NHL News: Frank Nazar set to make more than Wayne Gretzky thanks to extension with Connor Bedard’s Blackhawks

The NHL continues to grow and Frank Nazar’s new deal with the Chicago Blackhawks further showcases that. Now, reports have shed the light on one overlooked fact: Connor Bedard’s teammate is set to earn more than Wayne Gretzky did in his career.

The Blackhawks signed Nazar to a seven-year, $46.2 million extension—the largest contract ever awarded to a player with fewer than 60 NHL games. Chicago didn’t waste time securing the young talent for the long-haul.

Nazar is a key piece to the puzzle in Chicago. Now, he’ll be paid accordingly to his role alongside Bedard and company. The 21-year-old American winger has appeared in only 56 games so far in his career. Still, he is now set to bag more earnings than ‘The Great One’ did.

As reported by Big Head Hockey on X, Nazar’s estimated $46.2 million contract will be enough to surpass Gretzky, who earned $46 million over his 21-year professional career.

Wayne Gretzky #99 of the Edmonton Oilers during the Molson Canadien Heritage Classic on November 22, 2003.

Of course, Gretzky’s career earnings don’t account for sponsorships or endorsements and are based solely on his NHL contracts. Plus, inflation has certainly played its part. If Gretzky played in today’s league, his earnings would be astronomical.

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Not yet

While Nazar’s extension made waves all around the NHL, the Blackhawks‘ star still has a season remaining under his entry level contract (ELC). Signed to a three-year, $2.85 million deal in April 2024, Nazar—like Bedard—was set to become a restricted free agent (RFA) next summer.

However, the Hawks avoided any kind of drama early on. Instead, they handed the former 13th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft a long-term deal before any buzz started to stir around the youngster. Still, the deal won’t come into place until the 2026-27 season.

Ball’s in your court

Though a big weight off their shoulders, the Blackhawks aren’t done making moves. If anything, many more are to come up next. Chicago features a lineup with several players set to become free agents next summer.

Among the main names in that list include: Connor Bedard (RFA), Jason Dickinson (UFA), Lukas Reichel (RFA), Connor Murphy (UFA), Kevin Korchinski (RFA), and Spencer Knight (RFA).