CHICAGO — The Chicago Blackhawks have named Connor Bedard the 37th captain in franchise history, giving the leadership role to the 21-year-old center as he prepares for his fourth NHL season.
Connor Bedard
21 years, 60 days
37th captain
30 G, 45 A, 75 P
Bedard is the second-youngest captain in Blackhawks history. Jonathan Toews was 20 years and 79 days old when Chicago named him captain in 2008.
“Being named captain of the Blackhawks is an unbelievable honor and something I’m truly humbled by.”
Bedard made the comment in the Blackhawks’ official announcement. General manager Kyle Davidson said Bedard had earned the respect of his teammates and the organization through the way he prepares, competes and conducts himself.
Bedard replaces Nick Foligno, who had served as Chicago’s captain from September 2024 until he was traded to the Minnesota Wild on March 6, 2026. Patrick Kane and Tyler Bertuzzi were named alternate captains.
The appointment follows a career-high season for Bedard, who had already served as an alternate captain. He recorded 30 goals and 45 assists for 75 points in 69 games in 2025-26, leading Chicago in assists and points. He also led the club with five game-winning goals and ranked second with 30 goals.
Through three NHL seasons, the first overall pick in the 2023 draft has 75 goals and 128 assists for 203 points in 219 games. Bedard reached 200 career points on April 6 against San Jose, becoming the first Blackhawks player to reach that mark at age 20 or younger and the 13th player in NHL history to do so. He won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in 2023-24.
Chicago also committed to Bedard long term this summer. The Blackhawks signed him to a five-year contract extension that begins in 2026-27 and runs through 2030-31 with a $15 million annual salary-cap hit.
Bedard is recovering from left-shoulder surgery performed July 8. The Blackhawks’ medical update gave an approximate four-month recovery timeline, meaning his first game as captain is expected to come after the start of the regular season.
