"Way too early" "Give the C to Foligno": NHL fans debate whether Connor Bedard should be named Blackhawks captain in 2024

Chicago Blackhawks' No. 1 draft pick in the 2023 season, Connor Bedard, had a lot to deal with in his first NHL season, starting with a rumor involving Bedard's family and later a broken jaw and subsequent absence from games. Despite that, Bedard won the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year with 61 points in 68 games.

Currently, the Blackhawks have no captain, as they didn't name one after Jonathan Toews' retirement. Since the NHL season will start soon, they need to pick a captain. This has made NHL fans curious, especially after NHL Network raised the question on X (formerly Twitter).

"Connor Bedard would be the youngest captain in NHL history if he's named ahead of this season. Should the @NHLBlackhawks give Bedard the "𝗖" in year two?"

Soon, fans shared their opinion on Connor Bedard.

"Give him one more year. Way too early," one fan said.

"Either give the C to Foligno, or not captain for another season," another fan said.

"Way too young and inexperienced. Still on his entry level contract. No guarantee he will sign a contract with them," one fan opined.

Here are some more reactions from fans on X.

"Kid has enough pressure on him, let him grow into it. Forcing the C on him (or any player) is a terrible idea. I’m sure he’s a great teammate and respected in the room but give the kid some time," a fan said.

"He should have an A. I think, a veteran that the guys respect with great locker room rhetoric should be the captain. I like CB but let the him focus on playing the game for a year or two with an A. The organization needs to protect and mentor him. He will be a star without the C," a fan proposed.

"He’s gonna get it, it’s just a matter of when. They won’t name a short term captain till he takes it. He will most likely be there his entire career unless some shit goes down and needs out," a fan wrote.

Blackhawks might name 19-year-old Connor Bedard their new captain

The Blackhawks might soon name 19-year-old Connor Bedard as their captain. Bedard, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, played 68 games last season. He showed maturity beyond his years. Jonathan Toews was named captain at age 20. Toews played 64 games in his rookie season.

The Blackhawks have no captain but have three alternates: Nick Foligno, Connor Murphy and Seth Jones. Bedard is seen as the new cornerstone of the team. It's likely time for him to wear the "C" on his jersey.