RELEASE: Blackhawks Announce Connor Bedard as 37th Captain in Franchise History | Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks today announced forward Connor Bedard as the team’s next captain, becoming the 37th team captain in Blackhawks history. He is just the second-youngest captain in franchise history at 21 years and 60 days old, behind only Jonathan Toews (20 years, 79 days old).
“Connor perfectly embodies what it means to be a Blackhawk,” Blackhawks General Manager Kyle 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. He has earned the respect of his teammates and the entire organization through the way he prepares, competes and conducts himself every single day, and there is no doubt that he is ready to take on this tremendous responsibility. We’re proud to have him lead this storied franchise and excited for him to shape the next chapter of Blackhawks hockey.”
Selected with the first overall pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, Bedard enters his fourth season with Chicago after serving as an alternate captain and setting career highs in goals (30), assists (45) and points (75) in 69 games during the 2025-26 campaign. He led all Chicago skaters with 45 assists, 75 points and five game-winning goals, while ranking second on the club with 30 goals. Bedard became the third Blackhawks player to record a 30-goal season at age 20 or younger, joining Jonathan Toews (34 in 2008-09) and Eric Daze (30 in 1995-96). Additionally, he was named the NHL’s Third Star of the Month for November, ranking third in the NHL with 23 points (10G, 13A) in 14 games during the month.
The 5-foot-10, 190-pound forward has totaled 203 points (75G, 128A) in 219 career NHL games with Chicago from 2023-26. He logged his 200th career NHL point on April 6 against San Jose and became the first player in Blackhawks history to hit the 200-point milestone at age 20 or younger and the 13th player in NHL history to do so. During his rookie season in 2023-24, Bedard was awarded the Calder Trophy, leading all NHL first-year skaters with 22 goals and 61 points, while sharing first with 39 assists in 68 contests.
“Being named captain of the Blackhawks is an unbelievable honor and something I’m truly humbled by,” Bedard said. “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. I’m grateful to the organization and my teammates for putting their trust in me to lead this team. We’re building something really special here, and I’m committed to making the entire Blackhawks organization and our fans proud.”
Internationally, the North Vancouver, British Columbia native represented Team Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, notching eight points (5G, 3A) in 10 games. He ranked second on the club with five goals and ranked fourth with eight points. Bedard also helped Team Canada to gold medals at the 2022 and 2023 IIHF World Junior Championships, compiling 31 points (13G, 18A) in 14 career games. During the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, Bedard logged 23 points (9G, 14A) in seven games and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and established a new record for points by a Canadian in a single World Junior Championship tournament. Additionally, he was named the IIHF’s 2023 Male Player of the Year.