The Chicago Blackhawks named Connor Bedard captain on Tuesday. Bedard, 21, is the second-youngest captain in franchise history. Jonathan Toews was 20 when he received the honor.
Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement, "Connor perfectly embodies what it means to be a Blackhawk. 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."
Chicago won the NHL Draft lottery and selected Bedard No. 1 overall in 2023, its first No. 1 pick since Patrick Kane in 2007. The Canadian-born center immediately became the centerpiece of the team's rebuild, which is expected to accelerate this season, especially after re-signing Kane this summer.
Bedard is expected to miss the beginning of this season after sustaining a shoulder injury during offseason workouts in Vancouver. After undergoing surgery, Bedard is expected to return around November.
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. We're building something really special here, and I'm committed to making the entire Blackhawks organization and our fans proud."
The Blackhawks made a major commitment to Bedard this summer, inking him to a second contract worth five years and $75 million, an AAV of $15 million. Bedard has led Chicago in points in each of his three seasons so far, despite adversity such as a broken jaw as a rookie, and he still won the Calder Trophy that season.
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