Connor Bedard in Line to Become Chicago Blackhawks Captain

Connor Bedard is on track to become the captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, following the trade of Nick Foligno to the Minnesota Wild. Bedard, the 21-year-old NHL star, has already worn an 'A' as an alternate captain this past year.

What happened?

The Blackhawks' captaincy became vacant at the last NHL trade deadline, when Nick Foligno was traded to the Minnesota Wild for future considerations. This move has paved the way for Bedard to take on the role of captain.

Why it matters for Connor Bedard

Bedard's promotion to captain is a significant milestone in his young career. As the franchise player of the Blackhawks, he has already shown leadership qualities, and this new role will further solidify his position as a key player in the team.

What comes next?

Bedard will be missing the start of the 2026-27 season after receiving shoulder surgery earlier this month. However, he is expected to make a full recovery and will be ready to don the 'C' on the ice for the first time in multiple weeks.

The Blackhawks are one of the 10 NHL clubs without a captain, and Bedard's promotion is a clear path for Canada's new generation of superstars to earn another honor in their young careers.

In related news, Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks and Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders are also in the running for captaincy roles. Celebrini, who finished second in the 2026 Olympics with five goals and 10 points, is a strong contender for the Sharks' captaincy, while Schaefer, the reigning Calder Cup defenseman, is a young and talented player who could become the youngest captain in NHL history.

The Islanders' captaincy became vacant when Anders Lee departed with the team in free agency, and Schaefer's promotion would be a fitting achievement for a player who has already claimed multiple records in his rookie season.

The future of Hockey Canada

The trio of Bedard, Celebrini, and Schaefer is a bright spot for Hockey Canada, and their potential promotions to captaincy roles are a testament to the talent and dedication of the next generation of Canadian hockey players.

As the NHL season approaches, fans will be eagerly watching to see which of these young stars will be named captain of their respective teams.