Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks began discussions over a potential contract extension last month. While reports back then suggested that Bedard was seeking a significant pay raise, recent reports reveal the exact figure he wishes to earn per season.

During an episode of DFO Rundown Insider Edition, NHL Insider Irfaan Gaffar revealed that Bedard is eying a $17 million AAV. According to Gaffar, Bedard is looking to earn the kind of money Kirill Kaprizov earns at the Minnesota Wild.

“Connor Bedard is in for a payday. He saw Bowen Byram get a payday. I think that Connor Bedard is looking at Kirill Kaprizov money… I think that is a situation and that is a number that he’s looking at, and I do strongly believe that he thinks he deserves it. I’m not entirely sure the Chicago Blackhawks as an organization are close to that number when discussing Connor Bedard right now,” Gaffard said.

Bedard had a very impressive 2025-26 season with the Chicago Blackhawks. While Bedard and the Blackhawks were unable to make the playoffs, he featured in 69 games for his side during the regular season. He scored 30 goals and recorded 45 assists, for which he earned 75 points.

Connor Bedard suffered an injury during offseason training

While Bedard’s contract talks with the Chicago Blackhawks have taken center stage, the player suffered a major setback during offseason training. Bedard injured his upper body, which caused him to leave practice early.

On X, Blackhawks Insider Ryan McGregor revealed via X that Bedard left practice after falling awkwardly on his shoulder. McGregor also added that while the severity of Bedard’s injury is unclear, the manner in which he skated off resembled an incident he faced in December.

For those unaware, Bedard suffered an injury to his right shoulder during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 12th, 2025. The injury led to Bedard missing four weeks of action, and he could not take faceoffs until after the Winter Olympics break.

While McGregor’s tweet was enough to create panic among the Blackhawks fanbase, a video of Bedard leaving practice and screaming in pain left fans more worried. As of now, the extent of Bedard’s injury is not known. A team spokesperson told The Athletic there won’t be any updates at least until Monday.