The Chicago Blackhawks named 21-year-old center Connor Bedard their captain for the 2026-27 season.
He becomes the second-youngest captain in team history. Only Jonathan Toews was younger when he was named captain at age 20.
“Being named captain of the Blackhawks is an unbelievable honor and something I’m truly humbled by,” Bedard said Tuesday, per NHL.com. “The captains who have come before me have left an incredible legacy. To now have the opportunity to carry that tradition forward is something I don’t take lightly. I’m grateful to the organization and my teammates for putting their trust in me to lead this team. We’re building something really special here, and I’m committed to making the entire Blackhawks organization and our fans proud.”
Bedard takes over for Nick Foligno, who replaced Toews as captain on Sept. 18, 2024. Foligno served until March 6, 2026, when he was traded to the Minnesota Wild.
The list of players to have worn the “C” on their chests for the Blackhawks is an impressive one. It includes Hockey Hall of Fame members Pierre Pilote (1961-67), Stan Mikita (1975-77), Denis Savard (1988-89) and Chris Chelios (1996-99). The club has retired the numbers of all four players.
“Connor perfectly embodies what it means to be a Blackhawk,” general manager Kyle Davidson said. “From the moment he entered the League, Connor has led by example and has set a remarkable standard for himself while demonstrating his ability to make the players around him better. He has earned the respect of his teammates and the entire organization through the way he prepares, competes and conducts himself every single day, and there is no doubt that he is ready to take on this tremendous responsibility.
“We’re proud to have him lead this storied franchise and excited for him to shape the next chapter of Blackhawks hockey.”
The Blackhawks selected Bedard with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. He won the Calder Trophy, given to the NHL’s top rookie, following the 2023-24 season.
Chicago opens training camp on Thursday, but Bedard won’t be ready to compete immediately. He is recovering from surgery on his left shoulder, injured on July 2 during offseason training.
The Blackhawks expect his return in mid-November.
The five-year, $75 million contract extension Bedard signed in July puts him third in the NHL in annual average value. His $15 million AAV trails that of Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks ($18 million) and Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild ($17 miillion).
Bedard was limited to 69 games last season but still reached career highs in goals (30), assists (45) and points (75). He had five game-winning goals.
In 219 career games, Bedard has 203 points (75 goals, 128 assists).
