Blackhawks Expected to Name Connor Bedard Captain

The 21-year-old phenom could take on leadership role in 2026-27 season

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Chicago Blackhawks are reportedly planning to name 2023 first overall draft pick Connor Bedard as the team's captain for the 2026-27 NHL season. Bedard, who will turn 21 this July, is in his third NHL season and has seen his production steadily increase, with 57 points (25 goals, 32 assists) in 49 games so far this year.

Why it matters

Naming Bedard as captain would be a significant move for the Blackhawks, signaling their commitment to building around the young star as the centerpiece of the franchise's future. At just 21 years old, Bedard would be among the youngest captains in the NHL, underscoring his immense talent and potential.

The details

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Blackhawks do not plan to name a captain for the remainder of the 2022-23 season after trading Nick Foligno. However, Friedman believes the team will give Bedard the 'C' for the 2026-27 campaign, which would be early in the young center's career but not entirely unexpected given his status as the 2023 first overall pick.

  • Bedard was selected 1st overall by the Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Draft.
  • In his rookie season (2023-24), Bedard recorded 61 points (22 goals, 39 assists).
  • Last season (2024-25), Bedard improved to 67 points (23 goals, 44 assists).
  • So far this season (2025-26), Bedard has 57 points (25 goals, 32 assists) in 49 games.
  • Bedard will turn 21 years old in July 2026.

The players

Connor Bedard

A 21-year-old center who was the 1st overall pick by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL Draft. Bedard is considered one of the top young talents in the league and is expected to be named the Blackhawks' captain for the 2026-27 season.

Nick Foligno

The former Blackhawks captain who was traded by the team prior to the 2022-23 trade deadline.

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What they’re saying

“I think Bedard's gonna be captain”

— Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet Analyst (Sportsnet)

What’s next

The Blackhawks will likely make the official announcement regarding Bedard's captaincy at the start of the 2026-27 NHL season.

The takeaway

Naming the 21-year-old Connor Bedard as their captain would be a bold move by the Blackhawks, signaling their commitment to building their franchise around the young superstar. If Bedard continues his upward trajectory, he could become one of the youngest captains in NHL history.