Connor Bedard Addresses Fan Concerns While Being Named Captain of the Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks introduced Connor Bedard as the organization’s 37th captain on Tuesday. He becomes the eighth-youngest player in NHL history to carry the “C” on his sweater.

He said in a statement:

“Being named captain of the Blackhawks is an unbelievable honor and something I’m truly humbled by. 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. I’m grateful to the organization and my teammates for putting their trust in me to lead this team. We’re building something really special here, and I’m committed to making the entire Blackhawks organization and our fans proud.”

He also made a candid admission as he addressed fans in a Players’ Tribune letter.

I love this game so much, you know? Like I remember sitting there back in July, about to sign my extension, and thinking to myself, “Man….. I really hope they can’t hear my thoughts right now. Because I’d probably play for free.” He then noted that he was surprised by the amount of attention the timing of his contract extension got.

Bedard said the team and the players were sick of losing after how last season ended. As a result, they all took an intentional approach this offseason to make the team better. “Where we all just kind of decided, Nah. That’s enough of that. Let’s go win some damn hockey games. You saw it with trading the fourth overall pick for [Bowen] Byram, who is going to come right in and be our #1 defenseman and make our lives so much easier. You saw it with bringing back [Patrick] Kane, whose resume in this city speaks for itself. And I think you saw it with my extension….. which, to be honest, some people read too much into the timing of. It was probably the easiest negotiation in NHL history haha. All I want is to be here, and win here, and I’m so glad it’s out of the way.”

These comments go to show that the Blackhawks picked the right man for the job. Willing to play for free, ready to win, and eager to stay in Chicago, Bedard is poised to lead the Blackhawks into their next phase. The first item on his to-do list is to get healthy and return to the ice.

Next: Red Wings Finally Name a New GM, But There’s a Catch