Blackhawks Name 21-Year-Old Bedard Franchise Captain

The Chicago Blackhawks announced via social media on Tuesday that Connor Bedard is the 37th captain in franchise history. The 21-year-old, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, is the second-youngest captain in team history behind Jonathan Toews. He succeeds Nick Foligno, who held the role for about a season and a half before being traded to the Minnesota Wild at the 2026 trade deadline. Bedard recorded career highs of 30 goals, 45 assists and 75 points in 69 games in 2025-26, reaching 203 points in 219 career games to lead his draft class. He signed a five-year, $75 million extension through 2030-31. General manager Kyle Davidson said Bedard perfectly embodies what it means to be a Blackhawk and has earned the respect of teammates and the organization through how he prepares, competes and conducts himself every day. Bedard called the honor unbelievable and said he is truly humbled, adding he does not take lightly the chance to carry forward the legacy of prior captains and is committed to making the organization and fans proud. Patrick Kane rejoined the Blackhawks this year and previously served as an alternate captain. No outlet disputes the core details of the appointment. Rated coverage totaled three left-leaning outlets and one center outlet, with no right-rated headlines in the record. The Blackhawks open the 2026-27 regular season on the road against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sept. 29.