Bedard named Blackhawks captain at 21; will miss season start due to shoulder surgery (September 15)

The Chicago Blackhawks named Connor Bedard captain on September 15 at age 21, making him the second-youngest captain in franchise history. Only Jonathan Toews, who received the honor at 20 years and 79 days old, was younger, per Sporting News. Bedard is the franchise's 37th captain, replacing Nick Foligno, who was traded to Minnesota in March.

Bedard underwent left shoulder surgery after injuring himself during an offseason training session on July 2 and is expected to remain out until November, per Sporting News. He has not provided a firm return date. Bedard is currently skating and taking shots during rehabilitation.

Bedard led Chicago with 75 points over 69 games last season and has produced 203 points through his first three NHL seasons. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick signed a five-year, $75 million contract recently, per Yahoo Sports. Patrick Kane and Tyler Bertuzzi will serve as alternate captains. Kane returned to the Blackhawks on a two-year contract and described the Bedard decision as a "no-brainer," saying teammates gravitate toward Bedard in a way that reminds him of Toews, per Sporting News. Toews captained three Stanley Cup championship teams.

Bedard said of the captaincy: "When I got told, it was a pretty surreal moment. Just having the trust from people, you care about their opinion and how they value you, it's special," per Sporting News.

Chicago has not reached the playoffs since the expanded 2019-20 postseason. Bedard made clear another finish near the bottom of the standings would be unacceptable, per Sporting News.