CHICAGO -- Connor Bedard played it cool last season when asked about potentially being named captain of the Chicago Blackhawks.
And as the 21-year-old center sat on the dais at United Center on Tuesday, the news of him officially getting the role still hadn’t hit him.
“When I got told, it was a pretty surreal moment," Bedard said. "That’s something you think maybe there’s a chance and once it’s actually told (to you) and now to put the jersey on and see it, it’s special.
It’s hard to put it into words.
"Just having the trust from people, you care about their opinion and how they value you, it’s special.”
It’s quite an honor for Bedard, who became the second-youngest captain in Blackhawks history behind Jonathan Toews (20 years, 79 days).
But when he plays his first game wearing the"C" is unclear.
Bedard is expected to be out until November after having surgery on his left shoulder for an injury he sustained during an offseason training session in Vancouver on July 2. He has been skating and taking some shots during informal sessions at Chicago's practice facility.
“I’m on the ice doing kind of mostly everything, just working at it a bit more each day. Timeline-wise, I don’t really know (when I’ll return),” he said.
“We’ll see as it progresses but I’m feeling good and just kind of doing everything I can to get back as soon as possible.”
Without Bedard, who led the Blackhawks in scoring last season with 75 points (30 goals, 45 assists) in 69 games, they will have a big hill to climb early.
And though it will be hard for their newest captain to not be on the ice, he will still be there leading the way.
“It’s obviously going to be tough not playing the first bit but getting to watch and we’re together so much away from the rink that you don’t feel like you’re isolated or anything,” Bedard said. “You feel you’re still part of the team every day.
That’s the biggest thing. When you’re hurt and not around the guys, you miss being a part of that.
I don’t think it’ll feel like that at all. We’re going have a great start without me and I can’t wait to join, whenever that is.”
Bedard replaces Nick Foligno, who was captain from Sept. 18, 2024 until March 6, 2026, when he was traded to the Minnesota Wild.
Bedard said he took a lot from the veteran forward regarding leadership. He still asks Foligno for advice.
“He called me last night and he was helping me pick out my suit a little bit. Just little stuff like that,” Bedard said with a laugh.
“It’s cool to have that and share that with him.”
Bedard joins a list of captains that includes some all-time Blackhawks, including Toews, a three-time Stanley Cup winner (2010, 2013, 2015) who was captain from 2008-23.
Patrick Kane, who with fellow forward Tyler Bertuzzi was named alternate captain, was one of the faces of the franchise with Toews from 2007-23.
