Gary Bettman set to help the Blackhawks sign Connor Bedard
In a recent NHL Board of Governors meeting, it was announced that the league's financial outlook is robust, with increased revenues, stable ownership, and a projected rise in the salary cap to around $87.7 million for the upcoming season.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed confidence in the league's current state, highlighting the strength of franchises and the overall health of the game.
A notable aspect of this development is the potential impact on the Chicago Blackhawks and their star player, Connor Bedard. With Bedard's entry-level contract set to expire in two years, the projected salary cap increase comes as welcome news for the Blackhawks.
Bedard, who has been drawing comparisons to top players and is on pace for a substantial point total, is anticipated to command a significant contract, potentially reaching up to $10 million.
Comparisons have been drawn to the contract extensions of veterans Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, who each earned $10.5 million annually after their entry-level contracts. With the salary cap expected to continue rising, the NHL's financial landscape appears favorable for teams like the Blackhawks, providing them with additional flexibility to secure key players like Bedard for the future.
| POLL | ||
How much does Bedard deserve on his new deal? | ||
| 5-7M | 33 | 27.3 % |
| 7.5-9M | 30 | 24.8 % |
| $10M+ | 58 | 47.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
