Connor Bedard Named Captain of the Chicago Blackhawks

Connor Bedard, 21, has been named captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, a role that makes him the second-youngest captain in club history, after Jonathan Toews (20 years and 79 days). Bedard described the appointment as an extraordinary honor and expressed gratitude to the organization and his teammates for the trust they have placed in him.

As reported by the NHL, Bedard replaces Nick Foligno, who wore the “C” from September 18, 2024 until March 6, 2026, when he was traded to the Minnesota Wild. The team’s list of captains includes names such as Jonathan Toews, captain from 2008 to 2023 and a three-time Stanley Cup winner (2010, 2013, 2015); Chris Chelios (captain 1995–1999) and Denis Savard (captain 1988–1989), both inducted into the Hall of Fame; Stan Mikita (captain 1975–1977), part of the Cup-winning team in 1961 and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983; and Pierre Pilote (captain 1961–1967), inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975. The numbers of Chelios, Savard, Mikita and Pilote have been retired by the Blackhawks.

Last season Bedard had served as an alternate captain: he was named to the role on March 3 after Connor Murphy was traded to the Edmonton Oilers, and had previously held it when Foligno was injured. In the November 18 game he scored a hat trick, the second of his career, in a 5-2 win over the Calgary Flames. Bedard, the first overall pick of the 2023 Draft, finished last season with 60 points (26 goals, 34 assists) in 51 games and won the Calder Trophy as the 2023–24 top rookie. He signed a five-year contract worth $75 million (an average of $15 million per year) on July 18, but surgery on his left shoulder following a summer training injury on July 2 is expected to keep him out until his return in November; however, he has resumed light training at the club’s practice facility.

General manager Kyle Davidson praised Bedard for showing leadership since entering the league and for earning the team’s respect with the way he prepares and competes every day, stressing that he is ready for the new responsibility. Chicago opens training camp for the new season on Thursday, and the club, which has not reached the playoffs since the 2019–20 season, hopes to begin a new chapter under his leadership; the announcement was published by the NHL.