Blackhawks name Bedard, 21, franchise's 2nd-youngest captain - ESPN

The Chicago Blackhawks named Connor Bedard captain on Tuesday.

Bedard, 21, is the second-youngest captain in franchise history. Jonathan Toews was 20 when he received the honor.

«Connor perfectly embodies what it means to be a Blackhawk,» Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement. «From the moment he entered the League, Connor has led by example and has set a remarkable standard for himself while demonstrating his ability to make the players around him better.»

Chicago won the NHL draft lottery and selected Bedard No. 1 in 2023, its first No. 1 pick since Patrick Kane in 2007. The Canadian-born center immediately became the centerpiece of the team's rebuild — which is expected to accelerate this season, especially after re-signing Kane this summer. The Blackhawks have made the playoffs just once since 2017, and that was a first-round exit during the COVID bubble after making it through the qualifying round.

Bedard is expected to miss the beginning of this season after sustaining a shoulder injury during offseason workouts in Vancouver. After undergoing surgery, Bedard is expected to return around November.

«The captains who have come before me have left an incredible legacy. To now have the opportunity to carry that tradition forward is something I don't take lightly,» Bedard said in a statement. «We're building something really special here, and I'm committed to making the entire Blackhawks organization and our fans proud.»

The Blackhawks made a major commitment to Bedard this summer, inking him to a massive second contract: five years, $75 million ($15M AAV).

Bedard has led Chicago in points in each of his three seasons so far, despite adversity such as a broken jaw as a rookie. Bedard still won the