Connor Bedard signs his first NHL contract on his 18th birthday.

The top pick in the 2023 National Hockey League Entry Draft has now officially become a member of the National Hockey League.

On Monday, the Chicago Blackhawks signed generational talent Connor Bedard to his first ever NHL contract, with Blackhawks insider Scott Powers being the first to break the news.

The timing of this seems far too good to be a mere coincidence, with today also marking Bedard's 18th birthday. I am going out on a limb here given that I don't know Bedard personally, but I suspect this may end up being one of the most memorable birthdays he will ever have.

There was never any doubt about the fact that Bedard would be a Chicago Blackhawk, at least not after the Blackhawks won the top pick through the NHL's lottery system. Bedard was subsequently selected first overall by the Blackhawks and it was only a matter of when he would sign his entry level deal.

The deal has not as of yet been announced by the Blackhawks, with the NHL expected to rubber stamp the contract at some point later today.