Why Connor Bedard signed 5-year contract for $75 million with Blackhawks, but not longer

The good news for the Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Bedard is sticking around for a long time.

The potentially bad news: He left a few years on the table in his new contract.

The Blackhawks announced Saturday that Bedard has signed a five-year contract extension worth $15 million per year, for a total value of $75 million for the full extension.

“Connor has continuously defied our expectations since being drafted, and has quickly established himself as an elite player in the NHL,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement. “He utilizes all aspects of his game to not only be a constant threat, but to make the players around him better every time he steps on the ice. Connor’s strong work ethic and determination to always improve his game has set an extraordinary standard for our young core, and we’re excited for the incredible impact he’ll have in this next chapter of Blackhawks hockey.”

It's an extension everyone assumed would be coming, but it's still big for Chicago to get it done.

Maybe they would've wanted a longer deal, but they'll take what they can get in many ways.

MORE: How a 3-team Dylan Larkin, Jason Robertson trade could work

Why Connor Bedard signed this contract with the Blackhawks

Bedard was always going to be crucial to get extended for Chicago.

"It’s hard to overstate Bedard’s importance to the Blackhawks," The Athletic's Mark Lazerus wrote on Saturday. "Not only is he by far their best player — and one of the best players on the planet when healthy — he’s also the face of the franchise. For three years, he’s been on just about every billboard, every social-media post. On his first day of training camp, the Blackhawks wheeled in a mobile kiosk just to sell No. 98 jerseys, shirseys and hoodies. The next time he puts on that sweater, it’ll likely have a 'C' sewn onto it. Bedard is the Blackhawks, and if he had asked for the same $18 million that Carlsson just got (via an offer sheet from the Flyers), he would have gotten it."

Why would Bedard not go for a longer deal? 

It makes sense to stick at fewer than eight years just in case. It gives him a quicker way out if things deteriorate. 

And if he wants a new deal and earns it, he'll definitely get it when the time comes.

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