The Future of Blackhawks Leadership: Is Connor Bedard Ready to Wear the 'C'?
The Chicago Blackhawks have been abuzz since securing the rights to draft Connor Bedard, with many already anointing him as the team’s future captain. But here’s where it gets controversial: is Bedard truly ready to step into such a monumental role? In a recent piece by Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus at The Athletic, the conversation around leadership and the captaincy takes center stage, leaving fans and analysts alike divided.
Nick Foligno, a seasoned veteran, offers a sobering perspective: “You don’t really know what it means until you actually get in that role. I’m still learning it at 38. So, I think it’s a farce when you say, ‘Yeah, I’m ready to be captain.’ It’s just, do you have it in you?” This raises a thought-provoking question: Can leadership be taught, or is it an innate quality? Bedard himself remains humble, stating, “I don’t think the letter makes you act different or anything. It’s an honor, and it’s something you want, for sure. But it’s not going to change who I am.”
And this is the part most people miss: Bedard isn’t alone in the leadership department. Just as Jonathan Toews had veterans like Seabrook, Sharp, and Keith to lean on, Bedard is surrounded by a roster of players who’ve captained or led teams in their own right. But does experience in the locker room translate to on-ice leadership? That’s a debate worth having.
On the Ice and Beyond
Speaking of Bedard, his empty-net goal on Monday marked his 20th of the season, making him just the fifth player in Blackhawks history to score 20 goals in each of his first three NHL seasons. Joining the ranks of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Denis Savard, and Darcy Rota, Bedard continues to write his name into the franchise’s history books. But with great achievement comes great scrutiny—is he being thrust into the captaincy too soon?
The Blackhawks, fresh off a big win and the emotional Toews ceremony, enjoyed a well-deserved day off. However, they’re back on the ice today at the newly renamed arena, with eyes on Frank Nazar, André Burakovsky, and Teuvo Teräväinen’s participation as they prepare to face Carolina. Meanwhile, the goaltending situation remains a hot topic. Arvid Söderblom’s struggles (.868 save percentage, ranking 62nd out of 64 NHL goalies) have sparked questions about Drew Commesso’s future. After a shutout in his second start, could Commesso be the answer? Or is the organization hesitant to rush his development?
Controversy in the Crease
Here’s where it gets even more contentious: If the Blackhawks find themselves in the wild card race, can they afford to juggle three goalies? While Laurent Brossoit was a veteran on his way out, Commesso is a young RFA with a future in Chicago. Should the front office prioritize his growth over Söderblom’s experience? Ben Pope’s analysis at The Athletic suggests this is a storyline to watch closely in the coming weeks.
Around the League
Shifting gears, the 2026 NHL Draft is already generating buzz, with Scott Wheeler and Mitchell Brown releasing their midseason rankings. Meanwhile, trades and injuries continue to shake up the league. The Penguins acquired defenseman Ilya Solovyov from the Avalanche, while Darcy Kuemper’s upper-body injury has left the Kings scrambling. And in Tampa Bay, Anthony Cirelli’s sudden departure from Tuesday’s game has fans holding their breath—will he be ready for Friday’s matchup in Chicago?
Final Thoughts
As the Blackhawks navigate leadership transitions, goaltending dilemmas, and league-wide developments, one thing is clear: the future is both promising and uncertain. But here’s the real question: Is Connor Bedard the captain Chicago needs, or is the organization moving too fast? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate that’s far from over.
