The speculative title of “future Blackhawks captain” has followed Connor Bedard since he was drafted, but he’s deserving of it and ready for it now.
The presence of Frank Nazar — whose unrestrained, fun-loving personality perfectly complements Bedard’s seriousness and brings out a bit of Bedard’s silliness — has contributed to that. Nazar seems equally ready to become a Hawks alternate captain.
This generational turnover within the team’s leadership group probably isn’t far away, either. The Hawks could well enter the 2026-27 season with Bedard wearing a “C,” Nazar wearing an “A” and Alex Vlasic wearing the other “A.” That’s probably more likely than not, in fact.
“We’ve talked from Day 1 [about how in] the best cultures, the best players play winning hockey and do it right on a night-to-night basis,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “Both of those guys have done that. They’ve led by example, and I think that’s the best way to lead.”
All three of the Hawks’ current official leaders — captain Nick Foligno, alternate Jason Dickinson and alternate Connor Murphy — are on expiring contracts. Murphy probably won’t return, Dickinson’s return seems like a 50/50 proposition and Foligno’s return depends on his retirement plans.
All three veterans understand where the Hawks are headed, too, and have raved at various times this fall about Bedard’s and Nazar’s growth as leaders. They won’t be territorial about their titles; this will be a harmonious handoff.
“[Frank and Connor have] definitely taken it upon their shoulders to say, ‘I’m going to win games for us, night after night,’ ” Dickinson said recently. “That sort of leadership has been nice to see.”
Why Bedard is ready
With Foligno and Dickinson injured, Bedard has received the opportunity to step up and wear an “A” for the first time in the Hawks’ last three games — an honor Blashill said Bedard has “absolutely earned,” to the agreement of everyone around the team.
It has been a roller coaster, somewhat due to circumstance, with Bedard learning a lesson about restraint from his costly unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty Thursday against the Kraken — even though his complaint was valid and the call against him sensitive.
He has found his voice, though, and gotten more comfortable being his true self on and off the ice. He’ll always be an introvert, but he has become more articulate and — even more important — more honest and transparent with his words than he was during his first two seasons.
He’s able to call out teammates when their effort isn’t sufficient and to express those sentiments to the press. He has always loved praising teammates for their successes, and he’s able to urge them on behind closed doors.
Aside from occasional moments of frustration, he also seems comfortable and adept at serving as a liaison between the bench and the referees — one of the most concrete duties of a captain.
It’ll be up to him to share and argue the Hawks’ side when it comes to controversial calls, replay reviews and other litigated moments. That’s exactly what he did after Flames forward Adam Klapka’s big hit on Murphy on Tuesday.
“I always have something to say to the refs, so it was fun,” Bedard said. “It’s good [getting] little added responsibilities that you appreciate.”
Connor Bedard — who’s wearing the “A” — chatting with the officials after the penalty call pic.twitter.com/cDknRmCrXm
— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) November 19, 2025
Of Of course, Bedard’s status as the face of the franchise makes him an even more obvious choice for captain. That has been the NHL trend in recent decades, with most teams awarding the title to their best player (the Connor McDavid types) rather than a wise, grizzled elder such as Foligno.
Bedard’s offensive breakout is helping the cause. Entering Saturday, he was tied for third in the league with 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) in 21 games, putting him on a 121-point pace.
“Obviously, the production and his on-ice play speaks for itself,” Murphy said. “But his comfort zone and maturity socially among the team . . . and in the city has taken a big step this year. You see those leadership qualities coming out of him.”
Why Nazar is ready
Assists in four consecutive games have jump-started Nazar’s production after a brief lull. He has 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in 19 games — a 65-point pace — and has taken firm control of the Hawks’ second-line-center role.
Nazar holds even firmer control of the “joy provider” role, though. He’s not only perpetually spirited and positive but also passionate about spreading that to others.
“He wakes up most days and the sky is blue, which is awesome,” Blashill said in October. “Too many of us wake up and it’s cloudy, right? [When] that guy wakes up, the sky is blue.
“There’s a lot of pressure in this league, but I don’t care what job you’re working. Don’t you want to go enjoy it and be in that atmosphere where it’s fun to be around? He’s one of those guys that, when you walk in the room, it’s fun to be around.”
Nazar admits it’s sometimes a conscious decision. He actively goes out of his way to be Mr. Blue Sky, a trait that perfectly matches the stereotype of an ideal alternate captain.
“I just try to keep it simple and make sure guys are feeling good,” Nazar said. “If maybe I see them not [looking] the happiest or the brightest, I try to pick them up, make them happy, make them smile, make them laugh. Hockey is supposed to be fun, so I make it fun for them.
“There’s some guys that you’ve got to know when to leave them alone. I just try to be myself and make them laugh, if that works. If not, maybe [I’ll] compliment them or something.”
Beyond Nazar’s happy-go-lucky off-ice personality exists a relentless hunger for success, though. He’s capable of being serious when necessary.
He also relishes the spotlight. He hasn’t yet established a reputation as an especially clutch player, but once the Hawks are in the playoffs regularly, he seems like a likely candidate to do so. Making smart decisions in high-pressure situations has been a point of emphasis for him this fall.
“When you’re blessed and lucky enough to be able to play so much on the ice, it’s something you should take upon yourself and want to do,” Nazar said. “I don’t really think it’s pressure. It’s more [about] being disciplined to the sport, to myself and to the team.”