Walsh's vocal defense revolves around the compensation disparity of NHL players, highlighting Bedard's underpayment in comparison to other rookie athletes.
Walsh emphasized this point by drawing a stark comparison between Bedard's NHL rookie contract and that of Victor Wembanyama, the NBA's recent #1 overall pick. The figures reveal a significant contrast in terms of compensation and contract structure, revealing that players like Bedard (rookies) are being mistreated.
Wembanyama, the NBA's top draft selection, secured a 4-year deal worth a staggering $55,174,766, with $24,929,640 guaranteed over the first two years. In contrast, Bedard, the NHL's #1 overall pick, inked a 3-year, two-way entry-level contract with a total value of $950,000 in salary and signing bonus, amounting to an average annual value (AAV) of $317,000.
Walsh's comparison sheds light on the apparent inequity in compensation between leagues and raises questions about the fairness of Bedard's rookie contract in the NHL.
As the debate gains traction, it prompts discussions about the need for reevaluation and potential adjustments in the compensation structures for young talents entering the league.
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 22 | 66 ANSWERS NHL agent goes viral for exposing the NHL over mistreating Connor Bedard Do you think NHL rookies deserve the same pay as NBA rookies? | ||
Yes | 33 | 50 % |
No | 33 | 50 % |
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