Blackhawks Name Connor Bedard Team Captain

The Chicago Blackhawks have named Connor Bedard as their team captain for the 2026-27 season, making the 21-year-old center the second-youngest player to hold the position in the franchise's history. The announcement was made on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Bedard, who was selected with the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, follows Jonathan Toews, who was named captain at age 20. Bedard takes over the leadership role from Nick Foligno, who was traded to the Minnesota Wild in March 2026. "Being named captain of the Blackhawks is an unbelievable honor and something I'm truly humbled by," Bedard said in a statement. "The captains who have come before me have left an incredible legacy. To now have the opportunity to carry that tradition forward is something I don't take lightly." General manager Kyle Davidson praised Bedard's readiness for the role. "Connor perfectly embodies what it means to be a Blackhawk," Davidson said. "From the moment he entered the League, Connor has led by example and has set a remarkable standard for himself while demonstrating his ability to make the players around him better.