“Huge bust and disappointment coming” – NHL Twitter waives off hype as No. 1 pick Connor Bedard signs first official contract with Chicago Blackhawks
On Monday during his 18th birthday, Connor Bedard signed his first official NHL contract. He has joined the Chicago Blackhawks on a three-year deal after being drafted as number one pick.
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Connor Bedard signing his first NHL contract (Pic Credit: RMNB)
The National Hockey League (NHL) is currently on the break following the end of the season. This period usually means business times as teams start to strengthen their side by new signings for the following season. On Monday the number draft pick of 2023, Connor Bedard signed his first official NHL contract as he joined the Chicago Blackhawks. Bedard is considered by many to be a future star.
The recently turned 18-year-old was eligible to sign his first contract. The team announced that he has signed a three-year entry-level contract. Bedard is one of the most hyped prospects in recent NHL history since his namesake Connor McDavid joined the Edmonton Oilers in 2015. The rookie has impressed everyone so far with his skills and style of play with the Regina Pats in the West Hockey League (WHL).
“He wants to be great. He takes nothing for granted,” Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said during the draft night. According to several experts, the team perhaps got lucky to win the NHL draft lottery and got a chance to pick him. Bedard’s first contract carries a $950,000 salary cap hit, the maximum allowed by the league organizers. However, there are some special clauses that could see him earn more.
In the contract offered to him, there are two types of performance bonuses. If Bedard is able to match those stipulations the annual value of the contract could reach a staggering $4.45 million. If the rising star manages to score a certain number of goals and assists, earn points, and be selected for season awards, these clauses will come into play.
Twitter reacts as Connor Bedard officially becomes NHL player
Ever since his appearance at the WHL and his draft, the news regarding Connor Bedard had flared up. The youngster has been from time to time being compared to two greats, Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby. Bedard has drawn several comparisons to this and mentioned before how he was excited to go up against his idol Sidney Crosby.
Bedard had kept his cool and decided to remain silent following his draft. According to him, he did not want to “jinx” himself. He later revealed the message he got from Crosby. “I got a text from Sidney Crosby, so that was really cool,” Bedard explained a few days back.
He added how the Penguins captain was his favorite player growing up and that he was excited to be there. Twitter though had other ideas and trolled him and the Blackhawks for this. Here are a few reactions regarding his signing with the franchise.
There is no doubt that the Bedard has been hyped up a lot. As for the reasons for the comparison with McDavid, it is simple, both were the number one draft pick and have similar abilities. They also share the first name, so the league will now have two “Connor” to brace themselves with.
Bedard himself mentioned how he is following McDavid’s advice and is trying to stay in the moment. The expectations on his shoulders are heavy and it will be interesting to see how Bedard flares in his season which commences in October.
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Vinay Dave
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