Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Connor Bedard Named Blackhawks Captain at Age 21
The Chicago Blackhawks chose Connor Bedard to be their new team captain.
He is 21 years old, making him the second-youngest captain the team has ever had.
Jonathan Toews was younger when he became captain.
Bedard has been one of Chicago’s best players since joining the team.
He has led the Blackhawks in points during each of his first three seasons.
The team believes he leads by example and helps his teammates improve.
Bedard said he is honored and wants to make the team and its fans proud.
He will miss the beginning of the season while recovering from shoulder surgery.
The Chicago Blackhawks named 21-year-old Connor Bedard their 37th captain on Tuesday.
Bedard is the second-youngest captain in franchise history, behind Jonathan Toews, who was 20.
He succeeds Nick Foligno, who was traded to the Minnesota Wild on March 6.
Bedard has led Chicago in points in each of his first three seasons and won the 2023-24 Calder Trophy.
Bedard will miss the start of the 2026-27 season after left shoulder surgery and is expected back around mid-November.
- Who
- Connor Bedard, the Chicago Blackhawks’ 21-year-old center, was named captain by the club.
- What
- The Blackhawks appointed Bedard their 37th captain, succeeding Nick Foligno.
- When
- The announcement was made Tuesday; Bedard is expected to return from shoulder surgery around mid-November during the 2026-27 season.
- Where
- The appointment concerns the Chicago Blackhawks.
- Why
- The club said Bedard had established himself as a leader and earned the trust of his teammates and organization during the team’s rebuild.
- Captain
- Connor Bedard
- Age at appointment
- 21 years and 60 days
- Franchise captain rank
- 37th
- Previous captain
- Nick Foligno, who served from September 18, 2024, until his March 6 trade to the Minnesota Wild
- Contract
- Five-year, $75 million extension with a $15 million average annual value through 2030-31
- Recent scoring achievement
- Bedard recorded 30 goals, 45 assists and 75 points in 69 games last season
- Injury status
- Left shoulder surgery; expected return around mid-November