Connor Bedard is the new face of the Blackhawks in more ways than one.
Chicago named the 21-year-old the 37th captain in franchise history, putting him in the same line of succession as Jonathan Toews, who also took on the role at a young age. Bedard becomes the second-youngest captain in Blackhawks history, with Toews still the youngest after being named at 20.
The move comes after Bedard spent last season as an alternate captain while Nick Foligno handled the “C” for most of the previous two seasons before being traded to the Wild. It also marks another clear step in Chicago’s rebuild, one that has been built around Bedard since the club took him No. 1 overall in 2023.
Bedard’s on-ice production last season matched the expectations that have followed him from the start. In his third year, the Vancouver area native finished with 75 points in 69 games, topping a point per game for the first time.
He’ll have to wait to build on that start, though, after undergoing surgery this summer on his left shoulder. That procedure will keep him out at the beginning of the 2026-27 season.
“Being named captain of the Blackhawks is an unbelievable honor and something I’m truly humbled by,” Bedard said. “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.”
Chicago has not announced its alternate captains yet, though it would be a surprise if Patrick Kane is left without an “A.”
That possibility adds another layer of intrigue for Blackhawks fans, especially once Bedard is back and skating alongside Kane. The veteran winger would be the most skilled linemate Bedard has played with to this point in his career.
The Blackhawks begin the season Sept. 29 on the road in Vegas.
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Connor Bedard Just Became The Face Of Chicago's Rebuild
The Blackhawks have officially handed the captaincy to Connor Bedard, a move that matches the direction of the franchise as much as the moment. Bedard now becomes the 37th captain in team history, stepping into the role after Nick Foligno was traded to the Minnesota Wild, and the choice comes with the kind of weight that has followed him since he arrived in Chicago.
Bedards rise has been backed by production, too. He is coming off a season with career highs across the board and already has a long-term contract extension in place, so this is not just a ceremonial nod to potential. It is another sign that the organization is ready to build around him, even as the next phase of the rebuild asks him to carry more responsibility than before. [Read more 🡒]
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For Del Mastro, the path to meaningful ice time is tied as much to the depth chart as to his own play. The Blackhawks have several young defensemen in the mix, which means his role this season could hinge on camp performance, injuries, and how the rest of the group settles in around him. Chicago likes the player enough to keep the door open, but there is still plenty to sort out before his spot becomes clear. [Read more 🡒]
Blackhawks Face One Brutal Test Before Bedard Can Save Them
Connor Bedards offseason took an unwelcome turn in July, when the Blackhawks star underwent successful surgery on his left shoulder. The recovery timeline points to a return in November, which means Chicago will have to navigate a meaningful chunk of the early schedule without the player who drives so much of its offense and attention.
For a team already staring at a difficult opening stretch, that absence changes the tone of the first months of the season. Frank Nazar, Anton Frondell, Bowen Byram and Patrick Kane are among the names expected to carry more of the load in Bedards place, but the bigger question is how much damage the Blackhawks can avoid before their franchise centerpiece is back and ready to pick up the pieces. [Read more 🡒]