Connor Bedard, who wore the ‘C’ for the Regina Pats in the 2022-23 WHL season, has been named Captain of the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks. Bedard played parts of three seasons for Regina. The North Vancouver product was the first WHL player to be granted exceptional status, which allows highly skilled players to enter top junior leagues early. Bedard, who becomes the 37th captain in Blackhawks history, was named both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player during his time in the WHL. He also took home the CHL’s Player of the Year Award. The 21-year-old is the second-youngest Captain in Blackhawks history, behind Jonathan Toews. Bedard, who recently signed a five-year contract extension worth $75M dollars, is also the youngest captain of an NHL team heading into the 2026-27 season.
