Connor Bedard Named Captain
Connor Bedard is named the 37th captain of the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Chicago Blackhawks named Connor Bedard the 37th captain in team history. I don’t think anyone is surprised, although I saw some people wonder if Patrick Kane should be named captain instead. I don’t think there’s any question that this is the right decision.
Bedard had some words to share to the city of Chicago.
The real question surrounds Bedard’s return. Whether that’s the anticipated November timeline or an earlier appearance (as some believe might be possible). While I'd prefer Bedard to wait until he is 100 percent, I don't think that Bedard will do that.
Well he certainly isn’t missing the entire month of October like we originally thought, I’ll tell you that much https://t.co/dnMU1IPR4n
— Lee Grasemann (@Leegrasemann) September 11, 2026
Without Bedard, the Blackhawks offense is going to struggle (which you can read about here). Young players like Anton Frondell, Frank Nazar, and likely Roman Katnserov are going to have to prove themselves at center with the help of Patrick Kane.
But when Bedard returns, we’d like to see him return to form prior to his mid-season injury last year. With 44 points in 31 games, Bedard was among the league's best scorers until that injury took him out in December. Post-injury, his performance wasn’t great, at least not to the expectations we have of Bedard.
Looking at his microstats from Hockey Stats, Bedard is one of the best in the league with zone entries, entries with possession, scoring chances, shots off the rush, and assists. He finished in the 93rd percentile in even-strength offense, and I think he could finish much higher. It’ll be interesting to see who he plays with. Does Roman Kantserov prove better on the wing and is a competent NHL scorer? Will Patrick Kane mesh well with Bedard or play better with Frank Nazar? Does Anton Frondell keep his own line, or is he moved to Bedard’s wing?
What if Bedard is better suited on the wing? That leaves a pretty big hole in the No. 1 center spot. Bedard’s defense certainly needs work, which is needed for a true No. 1 center. But Bedard did look improved in defense last season, even if those microstats say otherwise.
Either way, Bedard’s return to the lineup will be the most anticipated thing this season.
