Connor Bedard named Blackhawks captain at 21, second-youngest in franchise history

Connor Bedard has been named the 37th captain of the Chicago Blackhawks at age 21, according to Sporting News, 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 when appointed captain. Bedard will miss the season start due to left shoulder surgery from an injury sustained during an offseason training session on July 2, and is expected to remain sidelined until November.

Bedard, who led Chicago with 75 points in 69 games last season and has produced 203 points through his first three NHL seasons, replaces Nick Foligno, who was traded to Minnesota in March. Patrick Kane, who returned to Chicago on a two-year contract, and Tyler Bertuzzi will serve as alternate captains.

Kane described the captaincy decision as a "no-brainer" and stated that teammates gravitate toward Bedard in a way that reminds him of Toews, who captained three Stanley Cup championship teams. Bedard said the appointment was "a pretty surreal moment" and expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him. "The captains who have come before me have left an incredible legacy," Bedard said. "To now have the opportunity to carry that tradition forward is something I don't take lightly."

Bedard stated that another finish near the bottom of the standings would be unacceptable. Chicago has not reached the playoffs since the expanded 2019-20 postseason. Bedard has been skating and taking shots during his rehabilitation, according to Sporting News reporting.

The captaincy honor comes as the Blackhawks seek to turn a rebuild into playoff contention with Bedard as a centerpiece.