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Connor Bedard proves he has what it takes to be the next Chicago Blackhawks captain in 5-2 win vs. Flames
Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Connor Bedard proved that he has what it takes to be the next captain of the Chicago Blackhawks during Tuesday night's 5-2 win against the Calgary Flames.
When the Chicago Blackhawks organization drafted Connor Bedard with the first overall pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, a lot of people saw a future team captain in him.
However, he wasn't ready to fill that role, entering the League at only 18 years old.
So far this season, the team has taken another step, with Bedard leading the way. He is showing much more maturity, consistency, and leadership, qualities that confirm he is on his way to becoming the next captain of the franchise.
Bedard Proves He Deserves To Become The Next Chicago Blackhawks GM
Bedard, who wore an A on his jersey for the first time in an NHL regular-season game, displayed these qualities on the ice, proving that he is becoming a real NHL leader and earned his new letter.
Jeff Blashill explained the decision after the game in a press conference:
"We had lost two guys (to injury) who wore letters with 'Fliggy' (Nick Foligno) and 'Dickey' (Jason Dickinson), so we needed someone, and ultimately, he earned it. He's earned that opportunity.
One of the things we talked about at the beginning of the year is making sure we earn things, that we're not entitled to success, we're not entitled to wear a letter, we're not entitled to any of that stuff.
And in his case, he's absolutely earned it. He's earned it, and when I told different people around the team today [Bedard would be an alternate captain], everybody said the same thing, it makes total sense and he's totally earned it.
He's earned it with his approach every day and how committed he's been to winning hockey."
One of the things we talked about at the beginning of the year is making sure we earn things, that we're not entitled to success, we're not entitled to wear a letter, we're not entitled to any of that stuff.
And in his case, he's absolutely earned it. He's earned it, and when I told different people around the team today [Bedard would be an alternate captain], everybody said the same thing, it makes total sense and he's totally earned it.
He's earned it with his approach every day and how committed he's been to winning hockey."
Bedard himself also opened up on getting that opportunity and his game after scoring a hat trick in the 5-2 win and stepping up for his teammates:
"It's great, for sure. There have been a lot of great players who have a letter on their chest and it's a great honor and something I don't take lightly, and no one would take lightly. It's cool, for sure."
"The refs were way nicer to me today - way nicer. I didn't get kicked out of a draw for the first time in my career. I think you watch guys go over there, I always have something to say to the refs, so it was fun. It's good, little added responsibilities that you appreciate. It's obviously not a big thing, but it's good, I guess."
"The refs were way nicer to me today - way nicer. I didn't get kicked out of a draw for the first time in my career. I think you watch guys go over there, I always have something to say to the refs, so it was fun. It's good, little added responsibilities that you appreciate. It's obviously not a big thing, but it's good, I guess."
It's hard to see another player stepping up as captain once Nick Foligno leaves the team. Unless there's a massive turn of events, we will see a C on Bedard's jersey at some point.
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