The Chicago Blackhawks announced this morning that Connor Bedard has been named the 37th captain in team history. At only 21-years-old, Bedard couldn’t be more ready.
This was hardly earth-shattering news, as everyone expected this announcement to be made at some point before the start of training camp later this week. Bedard has been the pillar of the rebuild, and the face of the organization since the day he became a Blackhawk.
In a statement released with the official announcement, Bedard said, “Being named captain of the Blackhawks is an unbelievable honor and something I am truly humbled by.” Bedard has been asked about the possibility of being captain of the Blackhawks since he was drafted first overall back in 2023.
More recently, in June, I had the chance to talk to Bedard and ask him more about the idea of becoming the next captain. “If I get it, I get it for a reason […] We got a lot of good leaders, but hopefully I get it.
Bedard wasn’t just ready for the responsibility; he wanted it. Bedard has been a captain at every level he has played at. From captaining Team Canada at the U18’s, to the Regina Pats of the WHL, and now becoming the Blackhawks captain at 21-years-old, Bedard is a natural leader who welcomes the role at every level.
To me, this signals the official shift from rebuild to contention. After signing him to a 5-year, $75 million deal earlier this summer and now making him captain, Bedard is now tasked with leading this team to the playoffs.
Bedard is set to miss the start of the season after having shoulder surgery as a result of an offseason injury back in July. Once he returns, he will be joining a young team with a lot of potential, as well as some new faces in Bowen Byram and Patrick Kane, who will help the team get better now.