The Chicago Blackhawks have named Connor Bedard as the 37th captain in franchise history.
The decision to give Bedard the “C” comes after he signed a five-year, $75 million contract that carries a cap hit of $15 million as restricted free agent this summer.
Bedard is set to miss the start of the season after having surgery on his left shoulder earlier this month.
Veteran Nick Foligno served as the Blackhawks for the majority of the last two seasons before he was traded to the Minnesota Wild at the trade deadline in March. Prior to giving Foligno the captaincy, Chicago went without a captain for 2023-24 season after a 14-year run with Jonathan Toews wearing the “C”.
Bedard, 20, set career highs in points and goals last season, recording 30 goals and 75 points in 69 games with the Blackhawks.
Drafted first overall in 2023, Bedard has 75 goals and 203 points in 219 career games.
Bedard won the Calder Trophy in 2024 after recording 22 goals and 61 points in 68 games during his rookie season.
The North Vancouver native is well accomplished on the international stage, winning back-to-back gold medals at the World Juniors in 2022 and 2023. He led the tournament in 2023 with nine goals and 23 points to be named tournament MVP and top forward.
