NewsChicago Sun-TimesJuly 3, 2026Illinois
How a New NHL Contract Offer Impacts Connor Bedard's Future
A high-value contract offer to Ducks player Leo Carlsson has created uncertainty regarding the future salary negotiations for Blackhawks star Connor Bedard. Additionally, Bedard is currently managing a shoulder injury sustained during training.
Read the full story at Chicago Sun-TimesWhy It Matters
The $18 million annual salary offer to Leo Carlsson sets a new market benchmark that may increase the contract demands for Connor Bedard and other top NHL players during their upcoming negotiations.
Key Facts
- Leo Carlsson received a five-year offer sheet with an $18 million annual salary-cap hit.
- If the Anaheim Ducks decline to match the offer, they will receive the Philadelphia Flyers' next four first-round draft picks as compensation.
- The Anaheim Ducks have seven days to decide whether to match the offer sheet.
- Connor Bedard suffered a left shoulder injury during a skating session in Vancouver.
- Before the Carlsson offer, Bedard's projected contract range was between $13 million and $16 million annually.
- Bedard's agents could potentially use the $18 million benchmark to argue for a salary as high as $20.8 million.
- Leo Carlsson recorded 67 points in 70 games last season.
- Connor Bedard recorded 75 points in 69 games last season.
- Macklin Celebrini recorded 115 points in 82 games last season.
Who's Mentioned
personLeo Carlsson“Ducks center who received an offer sheet”organizationChicago Blackhawks“Bedard's current team”organizationAnaheim Ducks“Carlsson's current team”personKyle Davidson“Blackhawks General Manager”organizationPhiladelphia Flyers“Team that tendered the offer sheet to Carlsson”personPat Verbeek“Ducks General Manager”personConnor Bedard“Blackhawks star and restricted free agent”