CHICAGO — Connor Bedard has stated he wants to win Stanley Cup championships and wants to do it with the Chicago Blackhawks.Bedard committed to that pledge by agreeing to a five-year contract extension, carrying an average annual value of $15 million, the team announced Saturday.“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 released 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.”Bedard’s contract extension has been a topic of conversation since he was drafted with the No. 1 pick in 2023. It was known then that Bedard’s second contract would be vital to Davidson’s rebuild. Bedard was the main piece in a large puzzle. The focus on Bedard’s contract has only grown with time, too. The possibility of an offer sheet has always been there, but it became more realistic when Leo Carlsson recently signed one with the Philadelphia Flyers (the Anaheim Ducks matched it on July 9). Would Bedard follow suit? It was also unknown whether Bedard’s recent shoulder injury and ensuing surgery would impact negotiations. He is expected to return in early November.Few players have entered the NHL as well-known and hyped as Bedard did in 2023. His elite offensive ability, combined with a social media microscope, made him a household name before he ever played an NHL game. That attention only increased as he went to the Blackhawks and began playing and being marketed in one of the league’s biggest cities. While the Blackhawks have largely struggled on the ice in Bedard’s first three seasons, he’s been the driving force behind their top-five attendance, jersey sales and general relevance in Chicago and beyond.