Blackhawks name Connor Bedard's assistant captains

UPDATE: Blackhawks insider Mark Lazerus reports that Patrick Kane and Tyler Bertuzzi will be Bedard's assistant captains this upcoming season.

It's been the worst-kept secret in Chicago hockey for a while now. Ever since the Blackhawks shipped Nick Foligno off to the Minnesota Wild at the trade deadline last March, the writing was pretty much on the wall. The only question was when, not if. And on Tuesday, the Blackhawks made it official.

Connor Bedard is the 37th captain in Chicago Blackhawks history.

At just 21 years and 60 days old, the North Vancouver native becomes the second-youngest player to ever wear the 'C' for the franchise, trailing only Jonathan Toews, who was 20 years and 79 days old when he received the honor back in 2008. It's a pretty fitting comparison given the trajectory both players have been on early in their respective careers.

A Captaincy That Felt Inevitable

Let's be honest here: this has felt like a foregone conclusion since the Blackhawks selected Bedard first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. The kid has been the face of the franchise from day one, winning the Calder Trophy as a rookie after putting up 22 goals and 61 points in 68 games. He followed that up by taking on an even bigger role last season, setting career highs across the board with 30 goals, 45 assists, and 75 points in 69 games. Head coach Jeff Blashill recognized that growing leadership and gave Bedard the alternate captain designation late in the 2025-26 campaign.

General manager Kyle Davidson didn't mince words about the decision, saying Bedard "perfectly embodies what it means to be a Blackhawk" and praising the way he prepares, competes, and conducts himself daily. Davidson emphasized that Bedard has earned the respect of his teammates and the entire organization, adding that there's "no doubt" he's ready for the responsibility.

The numbers back it up. In 219 career NHL games, Bedard has racked up 203 points, becoming the first player in Blackhawks history to hit the 200-point milestone at age 20 or younger. He's only the 13th player in NHL history to accomplish that feat. His 30-goal season last year also put him in rare company alongside Toews and Eric Daze as the only Blackhawks to hit that mark before turning 21.

Bedard himself seemed genuinely moved by the announcement, calling it "an unbelievable honor" and acknowledging the legacy of the captains who came before him. He also noted the team is "building something really special" in Chicago, which tracks with the broader direction of the rebuild.

What Comes Next for Captain Bedard

The timing of this announcement is interesting because Bedard won't actually be wearing that 'C' on opening night. He underwent surgery on his left shoulder in early July after sustaining an injury while training in British Columbia. The recovery timeline was pegged at roughly four months, which means his season debut likely won't come until sometime around November. Reports indicate he has been skating at the Blackhawks' practice facility in recent weeks as part of his rehab, which is encouraging.

The captaincy also comes on the heels of a massive offseason commitment from both sides. Bedard signed a five-year, $75 million contract extension in July that carries a $15 million cap hit and locks him into Chicago through the 2030-31 season. That kind of financial investment paired with the captaincy sends a clear message about where this franchise is headed.

It's worth noting the Blackhawks' recent history with the captaincy. Toews wore the 'C' for an incredible 14-year stretch from 2008 through 2023. After he departed, the team left the position vacant for the 2023-24 season out of respect, then handed it to veteran Foligno for the next two years before moving him at the deadline.

Bedard's international resume only adds to his credentials. He helped Team Canada capture gold at both the 2022 and 2023 World Junior Championships, earning tournament MVP honors in 2023 after a jaw-dropping 23-point performance in just seven games. He was also named the IIHF's Male Player of the Year in 2023 and represented Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Championship.

With a new contract, a new letter on his sweater, and a young core around him, the Bedard era in Chicago is now fully underway. Hawks fans have been waiting for this next chapter, and while the shoulder rehab means a bit more patience is required, the future of this franchise has never looked more clearly defined.