FILE — Chicago Blackhawks' Connor Bedard plays during an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

By The Canadian Press

New Blackhawks captain Connor Bedard expected to make season debut against Penguins

Oct 13, 2026 | 9:30 AM

CHICAGO — Connor Bedard is expected to make his delayed debut tonight as Blackhawks captain when Chicago hosts the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Bedard said he was “pumped” to play when he addressed reporters hours before the game’s opening faceoff.

Bedard agreed to a US$75 million, five-year contract in July. The No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft became the second-youngest captain in the history of the Original Six franchise on Sept. 15.

He missed the Blackhawks’ training camp and first six games of the season with a shoulder injury sustained while training in the off-season that required surgery.

“It’s crazy it’s only been six games,” Bedard said. “When you miss camp, and you miss pre-season and everything, it feels like a lot longer.”

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“Just to be back with the guys and do what I love, it’s exciting,” he added. “Looking forward to getting back out there.”

The 21-year-old centre from North Vancouver, B.C., has 203 points (75 goals, 128 assists) over 219 career NHL games.

The Blackhawks are off to a 1-5-0 start to the season without their captain. 

This is a corrected story. An earlier version incorrectly named the St. Louis Blues as Chicago’s opponent instead of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 13, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

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New Blackhawks captain Connor Bedard expected to make season debut against Penguins

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