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The Chicago Blackhawks have rewarded rising star Connor Bedard with a leadership role during the 2025-26 NHL season. This is his third NHL season for the Calder Trophy winning foward, who is also in his contract year.
On Wednesday, NHL reporter Ben Pope revealed on X that Bedard will serve as an alternate captain for the rest of the season. The move reflects the organization’s growing trust in the young center as the team continues its rebuild.
Head coach Jeff Blashill confirmed the decision and explained why Bedard earned the promotion.
“He’s earned it with his commitment to winning hockey,” Blashill said.
Blashill also pointed to Bedard’s work ethic and competitive mindset as key factors behind the decision.
“That’s the biggest thing I talked to him about today,” Blashill said. “He’s very competitive; he works hard every day.”
Bedard addressed the honor while speaking about the veterans who shaped his development. He mentioned teammates such as Connor Murphy (traded to the Edmonton Oilers), Jason Dickinson, and Nick Foligno as leaders he has learned from over the past two seasons.
“There’s guys like Murph, like Dicky, like Fliggy that we’ve learned from for a couple years now…,” Bedard said. “Obviously, the letter doesn’t change anything you do as a person, but it’s nice to be recognized like that.”
Foligno currently serves as the Blackhawks’ captain. The veteran forward became the 35th captain in franchise history when the team named him to the role in September 2024.
Also read:NHL’s Gary Bettman defends U.S. men’s hockey team after Olympics win
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) during a game against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Bedard’s promotion comes during another strong offensive season for the young star. In 48 games, he has recorded 25 goals and 32 assists for 57 points while averaging nearly 21 minutes of ice time. His production leads Chicago in assists and total points.
Bedard is also the core part of the team’s power play and offensive attack.
Despite Bedard’s success, the Blackhawks continue to face challenges in the standings. Chicago holds a 23-28-10 record and sits seventh in the Central Division with 56 points. Their season took a challenging turn after a 10-5-4 start, and they haven’t been able to solve it.
Still, the alternate captain role signals the franchise’s long-term faith in Bedard. As Chicago builds its young core, the former No. 1 draft pick continues to grow into both an offensive leader and a voice inside the locker room.
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On Wednesday, NHL reporter Ben Pope revealed on X that Bedard will serve as an alternate captain for the rest of the season. The move reflects the organization’s growing trust in the young center as the team continues its rebuild.
Head coach Jeff Blashill confirmed the decision and explained why Bedard earned the promotion.
“He’s earned it with his commitment to winning hockey,” Blashill said.
Blashill also pointed to Bedard’s work ethic and competitive mindset as key factors behind the decision.
“That’s the biggest thing I talked to him about today,” Blashill said. “He’s very competitive; he works hard every day.”
Bedard addressed the honor while speaking about the veterans who shaped his development. He mentioned teammates such as Connor Murphy (traded to the Edmonton Oilers), Jason Dickinson, and Nick Foligno as leaders he has learned from over the past two seasons.
“There’s guys like Murph, like Dicky, like Fliggy that we’ve learned from for a couple years now…,” Bedard said. “Obviously, the letter doesn’t change anything you do as a person, but it’s nice to be recognized like that.”
Foligno currently serves as the Blackhawks’ captain. The veteran forward became the 35th captain in franchise history when the team named him to the role in September 2024.
Also read:NHL’s Gary Bettman defends U.S. men’s hockey team after Olympics win
Blackhawks’ struggles despite Connor Bedard’s breakout season
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Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) during a game against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Bedard’s promotion comes during another strong offensive season for the young star. In 48 games, he has recorded 25 goals and 32 assists for 57 points while averaging nearly 21 minutes of ice time. His production leads Chicago in assists and total points.
Bedard is also the core part of the team’s power play and offensive attack.
Despite Bedard’s success, the Blackhawks continue to face challenges in the standings. Chicago holds a 23-28-10 record and sits seventh in the Central Division with 56 points. Their season took a challenging turn after a 10-5-4 start, and they haven’t been able to solve it.
Still, the alternate captain role signals the franchise’s long-term faith in Bedard. As Chicago builds its young core, the former No. 1 draft pick continues to grow into both an offensive leader and a voice inside the locker room.
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SPORTS MEDIA: Stephen A. Smith bashes underwhelming NBA star as ‘food addict’
VIRAL: NBC delivers epic nostalgia with ‘Throwback Tuesday’ NBA broadcast
WORLD CUP: Will Iran compete in the 2026 World Cup? Donald Trump weighs in
WNBA: Players, union leaders divided, claims letter from 2-time MVP and 4-time All-Star
The post Blackhawks give Connor Bedard a promotion amid NHL season appeared first on The Big Lead.
Continue reading...
