Report: Connor Bedard Could Be Named Blackhawks New Captain

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Austin Kelly
August 28, 2023 (9:43 PM)

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With the Chicago Blackhawks without a team Captain, speculation has begun to emerge on 2023 1st Overall Pick Connor Bedard.

Bedard Being Linked To Captain's Vacancy

NHL Network speculated on Bedard for the 'C' in Chicago, which would make the 18-year-old the youngest ever Captain in NHL History, and the first rookie to be named to a Captaincy. Bedard would pass Connor McDavid, who was named Oilers Captain at 19 years and 266 days, his second NHL season.

Apart of the NHL Network panel was former NHL coach Bruce Boudreau who said that, despite Bedard's evident talent, that it would be too quick of a rush to promote Bedard to Chicago's top leadership role.

"You give it to an 18-year-old, you gotta let him learn the steps of the NHL.", said Boudreau, who added that Bedard could eventually be named Captain in 2-3 years, but sees a rookie Bedard as Captain as unlikely. Boudreau also brought up former Blackhawks Captain Jonathan Toews, who was named to the role in his 2nd year with the club.

If Bedard is being primed for the Captain's role over experience, the Blackhawks may choose to not name a Captain for the season, giving Bedard a year to prove his leadership abilities.

A veteran could potentially be named Captain in the short-term as well, such as D Connor Murphy, Chicago's longest tenured player, and currently an Assistant Captain, or Nick Foligno, a former Captain with the Columbus Blue Jackets.