The Chicago Blackhawks have officially named franchise center Connor Bedard the 37th captain in team history.
Within the team release, Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson issued a statement regarding the decision, saying:
Connor perfectly embodies what it means to be a Blackhawk. 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 official release also contained a statement from Bedard himself, who called it an “unbelievable honor” to be named team captain, and said he was “truly humbled by” the decision.
Bedard has long been viewed as the face of the franchise for the Blackhawks, and he confirmed that status in July by inking a $15MM AAV extension to remain with the team for the next half-decade.
His new contract elevates the expectations placed on Bedard’s shoulders as he enters year four of his NHL career, and becoming captain has added a new layer of leadership responsibilities he’ll have to handle alongside being the team’s most valuable player.
It’s no surprise that Chicago has made this decision, as Bedard had already been an alternate captain in each of the last two seasons. He was, without question, the obvious choice to follow up Nick Foligno as team captain, the person who will lead the team into what it hopes will be its next era of Stanley Cup contention.
Bedard himself will play a massive role in any contending team the Blackhawks construct, as one of the league’s most promising young forwards.
Seen as a legitimately generational talent during his days as a prospect, Bedard has largely lived up to the hype in the NHL, even with some bumps in the road.
He won the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie in 2023-24, scoring 22 goals and 61 points in 68 games.
His sophomore campaign featured a bit of a slump, but he had a breakout 2025-26 season scoring 30 goals and 75 points in just 65 games. He briefly held the league lead in scoring early in the season before injuries slowed down his pace of production.
Bedard’s form early in 2025-26 did a lot to silence the critics of his game that grew louder during his uneven sophomore campaign. A dynamic offensive talent with a signature ability to fire off heavy shots with pinpoint accuracy from a variety of angles, even through intense defensive pressure, Bedard has always made his mark first and foremost through point production.
While some might prefer if Bedard played more of a two-way style like San Jose Sharks No. 1 pivot Macklin Celebrini, the reality is that few players possess Bedard’s raw offensive skill. Without some unfortunate injuries, and with a stronger supporting cast, it’s likely Bedard would have already reached the kind of offensive heights he’s long been projected to reach.
The Blackhawks made aggressive moves this summer to add NHL-ready talent to play alongside Bedard, headlined by the decision to trade the No. 4 overall pick for defenseman Bowen Byram. Byram will become Chicago’s No. 1 defenseman and No. 1 power play quarterback, and instantly becomes one of the best players Bedard has ever played with.
Free agent signing Patrick Kane, one of Chicago’s all-time greatest players, instantly becomes the most accomplished winger Bedard has ever gotten to share the ice with.
Alongside a new contract and new responsibilities as captain, it’s new teammates that will allow Bedard to continue his ascent as one of the game’s most talented young forwards.