Head Coach Jeff Blashill Says Connor Bedard Has Earned Alternate Captaincy with the Chicago Blackhawks

Yesterday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets marked the first time that star forward Connor Bedard got to wear the “A” of alternate captain on his sweater. The Blackhawks star has remained the most important member of a struggling Chicago side.Despite missing multiple games due to a freak injury, he got the honor, and head coach Jeff Blashill confirmed after the overtime loss to the Jets that Bedard will keep the letter for the rest of the season. With this, the 20-year-old is also among the youngest in Chicago history to wear the letter.

Jeff Blashill Emphasizes Commitment to Winning

The Blackhawks head coach praised Bedard's approach both on and off the ice when explaining the decision. Blashill noted he had given Bedard the letter earlier this season during injury situations affecting other leadership group members.

Blashill stressed his team philosophy centered on earning opportunities rather than receiving them based on reputation or draft status. He has seen Bedard demonstrate the commitment required to lead a rebuilding roster through difficult stretches.Nick Foligno and Jason Dickinson both wore letters earlier this season before injuries sidelined them. With both veterans now on the trade block ahead of the March 6 deadline, additional leadership opportunities could emerge for Chicago's young core.

Bedard acknowledged the guidance he has received from Murphy, Dickinson, and Foligno over his first two NHL seasons. The 2023 #1 draft pick has remained the best forward on the Blackhawks lineup and knows what it means to rep a letter on his sweater.The North Vancouver native recognized the honor while maintaining perspective on what matters most. Many great players have worn letters for the Blackhawks throughout franchise history, dating back to the Original Six era.Bedard continued his strong post-Olympic performance with two assists against Winnipeg. He leads Chicago with 32 goals and 74 points through 61 games this season. Other candidates for leadership roles include Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen, Ilya Mikheyev, and Ryan Donato among the current roster. Younger prospects like Frank Nazar, Alex Vlasic, Oliver Moore, and Ryan Greene could eventually factor into future leadership decisions.

Bedard is widely expected to eventually wear the captain's C for Chicago. The alternate captaincy provides valuable experience in that direction.The Blackhawks sit seventh in the Central Division with a 22-28-9 record and 53 points. Chicago holds a two-point cushion over last-place St. Louis while facing an uphill climb to reach playoff contention in the competitive Western Conference.