Connor Bedard named 37th captain for Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks got another piece of business wrapped up as they get set to embark on their 2026-27 campaign. On Tuesday, just two days before training camp begins, they officially named Connor Bedard as the 37th captain in franchise history. This makes him currently the youngest captain in the NHL.

The announcement was news to none, despite some people rallying for the legendary Patrick Kane to be named captain since he’s returned to the fold on a two-year contract. But most felt the honor should rightfully go to Bedard, as he is the new face of the franchise since being drafted by the Blackhawks first overall in 2023.

“Connor perfectly embodies what it means to be a Blackhawk,” said Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson in a statement. "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."

Bedard is deserving of the captaincy

It’s true Bedard has developed his leadership skills over the past three seasons, learning from some of the best in former captain Nick Foligno, Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson (both alternate captains). Since their departure at the trade deadline in March of 2026, Bedard become more comfortable with his specific leadership style both on and off the ice. He has a reserved personality and keeps things close to the vest, but he’s cultivated a relationship with his teammates and coaches that can’t be denied. It makes perfect sense to name Bedard captain.

Here are some words from the new captain himself.

"Being named captain of the Blackhawks is an unbelievable honor and something I'm truly humbled by. The captains who have come before me have left an incredible legacy. To now have the opportunity to carry that tradition forward is something I don't take lightly. I'm grateful to the organization and my teammates for putting their trust in me to lead this team. We're building something really special here, and I'm committed to making the entire Blackhawks organization and our fans proud."

This is the perfect way to begin the 2026-27 season, with a new captain that’s young and hungry and ready to take the Blackhawks to the next level. We’ll see where it can take them.

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