Connor Bedard's Sherwood Era: How Long Will It Last?

Connor Bedard’s rise to stardom has been one of the most captivating stories in the NHL over the past two years. As the Chicago Blackhawks prepare to enter another season with their young franchise cornerstone, most fans are understandably focused on the looming question of his next contract extension.

But for hockey equipment enthusiasts, the more pressing curiosity revolves around something else entirely. That being Bedard’s relationship with Sherwood, the equipment company that secured his services back in 2023, just before his rookie campaign.

When Sherwood announced Bedard as their marquee athlete ahead of his first NHL season, it was considered a massive coup for the company. Landing one of the most hyped prospects since Connor McDavid was no small feat, and many speculated that Sherwood pulled out all the stops to bring him aboard, offering a lucrative deal that was impossible for the teenager to turn down.

But exactly how long that deal runs remains something of a mystery. Unlike NHL contracts, equipment deals are rarely made public, and terms such as length, clauses, or dollar figures are almost never disclosed.

Whether Bedard’s agreement with Sherwood was signed for three years, five years, or even longer remains unknown, leaving fans and gear watchers speculating endlessly.

What we do know is that Bedard has been loyal to Sherwood’s gloves and sticks ever since he first suited up with the Blackhawks. Not once has he been seen using equipment from another brand in a game or even in practice.

That consistency alone suggests that his commitment to Sherwood is still active here in year three of his NHL career. But as the hockey world has learned time and again, change can happen quickly when it comes to equipment.

The first sign of a player testing a different stick or pair of gloves often signals the end of an agreement, and enthusiasts are watching Bedard’s every move, eager to catch any hint of a shift.

If Bedard were to move on, Bauer would be the logical favorite to land him. Not only is Bauer the industry leader with the resources to sign such a marquee player, but Bedard has history with the brand.

During his time with the Regina Pats of the WHL, he helped promote Bauer’s AG5NT stick and continues to wear their skates even today. That familiarity, combined with Bauer’s ability to put him front and center in global marketing campaigns, would make them an obvious destination.

Still, there are other intriguing possibilities. Warrior has been aggressive in signing high-profile NHL talent recently, and TRUE, now under new ownership, may be looking to make a bold move to establish themselves by signing another significant talent like Bedard. Either company could surprise the hockey world if they decided to make a push.

At the same time, it’s entirely possible that Sherwood secured Bedard for much longer than most assume. If his deal runs well beyond the typical three to five year range, then all of this talk may be premature.

But the unpredictability of the gear world means nothing can be ruled out. Auston Matthews, for instance, reportedly had a long-term agreement with CCM, yet he was spotted in Bauer skates last season and stuck with them for much of the year.

That kind of deviation shows that even existing contracts don’t always prevent players from switching when they feel the need to do so.

Bedard is already one of the league’s most-watched players every time he steps on the ice. Now, on top of his development as Chicago’s franchise centerpiece, he will be closely monitored by equipment enthusiasts, scrutinizing every stick, glove, and piece of gear he picks up.

Whether he remains with Sherwood for years to come or eventually shifts to another major brand, the story of his equipment choices will continue to add another layer of intrigue to his young career. For now, it’s a waiting game, but in the fast-moving world of NHL gear, a surprise could arrive at any given moment.

Photo Credit: Troy Parla