Outlining the potential leadership group for the Blackhawks in 2026-27

There’s been tons of discussion over whether Connor Bedard should inherit the captaincy for the Chicago Blackhawks, or if Patrick Kane should hold that honor for the next two seasons he’s been signed for. While this is a hot debate, it’s clear they will likely both be part of the new leadership group in some way, shape or form. But who else will be part of this group? Who might the alternate captains be? Let’s take a look at the top candidates, and how they are deserving of these distinctions.

Connor Bedard for Captain

My colleague Justin Lynch outlined why Bedard should be captain in early August. I wholeheartedly agree with all of this. Bedard is the new face of the franchise that this team is building around. He serves as the team’s top line center and has been their best offensive player since he was drafted first overall in 2023.

Bedard has also 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. The 21-year-old 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 the 37th captain of the franchise.

Patrick Kane makes sense as an alternate captain

On the other side of the coin, Brian Germinaro stated his case for Kane being named captain now that he’s returned to the Blackhawks. After all, he’s a veteran superstar who’s won three Stanley Cups with Chicago. He most certainly will be able to show these young Blackhawks what it takes to win, and he undoubtedly has the most experience on the roster.

While all these points are valid, making Kane the captain would be counterintuitive to the leadership progress the Blackhawks have been developing since his departure. When Blackhawk’s general manager Kyle Davidson decided not to re-sign Jonathan Toews and facilitated at trade for Kane to the New York Rangers in 2023, he said,

‘‘It was time to clear the deck and start building some new leaders. [This will] allow the organic growth of leadership skills and provide this new wave the same opportunity that this past era was granted when they entered the NHL. [It’s] an opportunity to step up, step in and work through the leadership development on their own terms, rather than deferring and just leaving that to someone else.’’

This is what Bedard, and some other young players, have been doing the past three seasons. Would the organization just change gears after all they’ve invested in letting the kids take charge?

Even after Kane was brought back, Davidson doubled down on his commitment to the young players. “I think when Patrick departed a couple years ago, we were just in a totally different spot as a franchise. We were much more at the outset of this whole project … But from a young player standpoint, again, I believe that these young players have established themselves.”

Naming Kane captain would go against everything the team has been building these past three seasons. Sure, he’s a legend and will be a leader and mentor in his own right during his second stint with the Blackhawks. But Bedard and the kids are the future. Which is why I believe Kane with be given an alternate captain title.

Tyler Bertuzzi should retain his position as an alternate

Speaking of veterans and alternate captains, Tyler Bertuzzi was given an “A” along with Bedard last season after the former leadership group left. At the time, head coach Jeff Blashill gave his reasoning for awarding this honor to the 31-year-old.

“Just, Bert being Bert. It starts with him playing the right winning type hockey that he's played all year, and that's where I think he's earned it. I think he's played winning hockey all year. He's done the things he always does. He competes hard, he works hard, he's good defensively, blocks shots. He's managed the puck very well. So just first off, being an example of winning hockey. That's who you have to be first and foremost. When something needs to be said, Bert has always kind of said it, so that won't change either. So I just think it's more of a reward and a recognition of the leader that he is.”

Bertuzzi isn’t the most outspoken guy. He practically runs from the media, leading one to believe he might not have the personal skills to be handle this responsibility. But leaders come in all shapes and sizes, and Bertuzzi obviously has the respect of his teammates and his coaches. That’s all that matters.

It makes perfect sense for Bertuzzi to maintain his alternate captain status.

Alex Vlasic deserves an “A”

If Bedard is named the captain and veterans Kane and Bertuzzi alternates, then by rights a leadership position should go to another young player. I think the perfect candidate for this is defenseman Alex Vlasic.

Believe it or not, Vlasic is the longest tenured Blackhawk. He’s headed into his fourth full season with the Blackhawks and his sixth season with the organization. He’s also 25 years old, which is on the “veteran” side of the current youth movement. He’s had plenty of time to establish himself in the locker room and with the team.

At exit interviews in April, I asked Vlasic about his leadership style. His response hinted that this is something he’s been thinking about for quite some time.

“I’m pretty loud, but in terms of my leadership style I wouldn’t say I’m like overly talkative. So I kind of want to be somebody who, when I speak up and when I talk that it means that I’m genuinely trying to convey a message to the group of guys. But first and foremost I think for me, it’s just kind of lead by example; how I carry myself, at the rink, away from the rink.”

“I honestly think Murph (Connor Murphy) was such a good example for me to look up to. One of the nicest people you ever meet. It felt like he kind of knew how to do everything right, and how he treated people. And that goes a long way with how people are able to look up to you, and that carries itself throughout the team.”

Murphy was a pretty good role model; there’s no denying that. Plus, it would provide a good balance for a defenseman to have a letter, versus the above players who are all forwards. All this said, Vlasic appears primed and ready to take on more of a leadership role.

Frank Nazar might be the odd man out

Another young player who could be a candidate for an alternate captain position is Frank Nazar. Going back to my colleague Justin, he appropriately referred to Nazar as “Mr. Excitement” and a guy who “lights up the room”. It’s true that Nazar has plenty of charisma, both on and off the ice. He’s also considered a key member of the Blackhawk’s young core, and has plenty of talent and potential to be a successful NHL player for a very long time.

However, I feel like Kane’s arrival could actually leave Nazar as an odd man out. While there’s usually a captain and two alternates representing during any given game, there can certainly be a larger leadership group in the locker room and within the team.

But last season this group included three veteran players, so I don’t foresee the Blackhawks having their new group be any more than three or four players. With that said, Nazar might have to be a leader in name only, without an official letter on his jersey.

A case can be made for all of the above players to be rewarded with a leadership role. Even with Bedard out due to injury at the beginning of the season, I would expect an official announcement of these roles in the next few weeks, before training camp gets started in mid-September.

Who would you name as the captain and alternate captains for the Blackhawks?! We'll find out soon enough.

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