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Since being chosen as the top overall draft selection in 2023, Connor Bedard has served as the cornerstone of the Chicago franchise.
For some time, it seemed inevitable that the captaincy letter would find its place on his No. 98 sweater.
On Tuesday, Bedard officially became the 37th captain in team history, concluding a busy summer marked by a fresh long-term deal and a second shoulder setback. At just 21 years and 60 days of age, he ranks as the franchise’s second-youngest captain ever, with only Jonathan Toews assuming the role at an earlier age.
Bedard expressed that receiving the designation is an immense privilege and a responsibility he treats with great seriousness.
The team had not designated a captain since they dealt Nick Foligno to Minnesota back in March. Foligno played a crucial role in guiding Bedard along with a fresh crop of rising talents whom management hopes will push the club back into postseason contention.
According to Bedard, Foligno reached out to him on Monday evening and even assisted him in selecting his wardrobe for the Tuesday media event.
While acknowledging that his personal style of leading would differ slightly, Bedard noted how valuable it was to observe how Foligno managed various duties. He added that while several veterans in the locker room serve as great examples, Foligno made a particularly profound impression on both him and the other developing athletes.
The highly anticipated announcement follows Bedard’s agreement to a five-year, $75 million USD contract extension signed in July. Concurrently, the young forward is recuperating from a surgical procedure on his left shoulder performed on July 8.
Having previously sat out a dozen matchups following a right shoulder injury on December 12, Bedard is projected to be sidelined for the season opener after sustaining this latest injury during an off-season skate with fellow league players in Western Canada.
Bedard reported that he is back on the ice participating in the majority of activities while gradually ramping up his workload. He explained that a precise recovery schedule remains uncertain and depends on his day-to-day progress, but he feels positive and is focused on returning to the lineup at the earliest opportunity.
At 18 years old, Bedard embarked on his highly publicized NHL journey in 2023. Welcomed as the franchise’s new cornerstone, he claimed the Calder Trophy as the top rookie in the league. He sustained his upward trajectory into his third year, establishing personal bests with 30 goals and 45 assists over 69 appearances.
General Manager praises Bedard as an innate leader
According to general manager Kyle Davidson, Bedard possesses an inherent capacity for leadership.
Davidson emphasized Bedard’s deep passion for hockey and the community, noting his desire to guide a squad that restores Chicago’s winning legacy. The executive expressed confidence that Bedard will persistently elevate standards for his peers through daily dedication and active community engagement.
With a record of 29-39-14 last season, the team showed an 11-point upgrade from the prior campaign but remained far out of the postseason race. The club has ended up in the 31st spot league-wide for three consecutive seasons.
The Blackhawks are aiming to secure their first playoff berth since the pandemic-disrupted 2019-20 campaign, which featured an expanded postseason layout.
Bedard remarked that the team’s primary focus is returning to postseason action and securing victories, adding that local supporters expect a winning culture which the players intend to restore.
The organization picked up defenseman Bo Byram from Buffalo in a June transaction, while Patrick Kane made a homecoming by agreeing to a two-year, $16 million free-agent contract. Kane and experienced attacker Tyler Bertuzzi have been named alternate captains.
The soon-to-be 38-year-old Kane voiced his strong approval of the decision to hand Bedard the captaincy.
Kane shared that the locker room atmosphere has been exceptionally positive and enjoyable, describing Bedard as the primary force driving that upbeat energy and leading the way.
This announcement makes Chicago the second team to fill a leadership void in consecutive days, hot on the heels of the New York Islanders designating veteran middleman Bo Horvat as their captain. The Islanders chose Horvat over their 19-year-old star and projected 2025 top draft pick Matthew Schaefer, although coach Peter DeBoer confirmed Schaefer was definitely in the running.
DeBoer mentioned on Monday that even being in the conversation highlights the remarkable qualities of the young prospect.
Meanwhile, San Jose remains among the group of franchises currently operating without a designated captain, as they continue to weigh whether to award the letter to 20-year-old Macklin Celebrini.
