Connor Bedard captaincy marks the official beginning of a new Blackhawks era

Connor Bedard has been named the 37th captain in Blackhawks history, adding his name to a long list of hockey players important to Chicago over the decades. It's been a long time coming, and it arrives when Bedard is almost a full year older than Jonathan Toews was when he took the patch back in 2008. Bedard has been the central figure whom the Blackhawks have constructed their rebuild around, and it's only natural that he receives the leadership role that accompanies it.

Bedard becoming the captain didn't surprise anyone, but the decision still marks a significant moment when Chicago has publicly placed the rebuild in his hands. Though it may seem inevitable, this transfer of power officially moves three years of expectation into real responsibility. We're no longer in preparation, the keys to the car have been handed over.

Kyle Davidson confirms what the organization believes

"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. He has earned the respect of his teammates and the entire organization through the way he prepares, competes and conducts himself every single day, and there is no doubt that he is ready to take on this tremendous responsibility. We're proud to have him lead this storied franchise and excited for him to shape the next chapter of Blackhawks hockey."

Kyle Davidson, Blackhawks GM

The end of the Toews era in Chicago was marred by frequent missed time, and though thankfully Toews is okay, the dismantling of the dynasty effectively finished. It closed off one of the most important periods in Blackhawks hockey ever, and with Toews' departure, the Blackhawks remained without a captain for the entire duration of the 2023-2024 season. Nick Foligno stepped into the role as a respected veteran, but even then, everyone knew the job was eventually Bedard's. With the honorable trade of Foligno to Minnesota to cap off his time in Chicago, Bedard stood as the natural successor.

But that's not to ignore the fact that Patrick Kane came back to Chicago this summer and signed a two year contract. The possibility of him taking the captaincy existed, and even I thought it plausible. But at 37 years old, he's on the tail end of his professional career. The Blackhawks rightfully gave Kane his alternate title back, and Kane was even quoted as calling the Blackhawks decision on Bedard a "no-brainer".

So now we stand upon the threshold of what could be another important era of Chicago hockey. The last few seasons have been rough, as is expected with a rebuilding team, but now is when the pieces of the puzzle need to start coming together. I'm not saying they need to immediately be Stanley Cup caliber, but the time for patience without progress is behind us.

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