Bedard named Blackhawks captain at 21, to miss season start due to shoulder surgery
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, age 21, has been named the 37th captain in franchise history, becoming the second-youngest captain behind Jonathan Toews. Bedard will miss the start of the season due to shoulder surgery sustained in early July, with recovery expected to take approximately four months and a return likely in November.
Connor Bedard has been named the 37th captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, making him the second-youngest captain in franchise history behind Jonathan Toews. Bedard is 21 years old and entering his fourth season with the Blackhawks. Bedard officially became an alternate captain alongside Tyler Bertuzzi late last season, setting the trajectory for this promotion. The Blackhawks had gone without a captain since trading Nick Foligno to Minnesota on March 6. Bedard said in a statement, "Being named captain of the Blackhawks is an unbelievable honor and something I'm truly humbled by," and added that he is "grateful to the organization and my teammates" and that he "won't take this lightly." Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson said "Connor perfectly embodies what it means to be a Blackhawk." Bedard finished the 2025-26 season with 75 points and ranks No. 2 overall among the NHL's best players and prospects under 24 according to The Athletic. He is the first Blackhawks player to hit 200 points at age 20 or younger. Bedard recorded his 200th career point in 215 games and tied Patrick Kane as the ninth fastest skater in Blackhawks history to reach the mark. Bedard signed a five-year contract with the Blackhawks and said, "Chicago's kind of really the only place I want to play." Bedart will not take the ice for the start of the season. According to team announcement, The Blackhawks' first preseason game is scheduled for September 19. The team has not named an alternate captain under Bedard yet. The Blackhawks have an average age of 26.08 and are one of the youngest teams in the NHL. Patrick Kane has returned to Chicago, and the franchise saw 160 percent growth in season-ticket interest following his arrival, along with one of its largest days in jersey sales.
Bedard becomes captain while sidelined by shoulder surgery, marking a symbolic leadership transition for a young rebuild but leaving the team without its captain on the ice for training camp and the opening preseason game on September 19.
Bedard's captaincy becomes official in November when he returns from surgery; the team must navigate training camp and early preseason without its captain on ice, testing the leadership structure around a young roster. His first games as captain will reveal whether the symbolism of the title carries operational weight during his recovery phase.
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