Connor Bedard's 2026-27 Debut Will Be His First Game As Captain & First Alongside Patrick Kane

The Chicago Blackhawks are expected to have Connor Bedard in the lineup on Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins. This will be his season debut for 2026-27 following shoulder surgery that he had over the summer. 

Bedard's first game will also mark the first time that he wears the "C" on his chest as Chicago Blackhawks captain. He was given this honor right before the season started, and now he will serve in this role on the ice for the first time. 

On the other side of the bench will be one of the best captains in NHL history, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby. Crosby is one of Bedard's childhood idols, so it's a perfect time for him to debut as captain in his 4th NHL season. 

Another one of Bedard's childhood idols is his newest teammate, Patrick Kane. This will also be Bedard's first-ever game alongside Kane. The two will skate on Chicago's top line together. 

"I've been watching Kane since I was 5 years old," Bedard said. "[It's] pretty cool to play with him and see him up close. The way he can think the game - the way he makes little passes. Honestly, for me, I just want to get him the puck and get open as much as I can."

These two have the brainpower to feed off each other when it comes to making plays. Kane isn't the 100-point player that he once was, but his offensive instincts are poised to work well with a young star like Bedard. The younger of the two isn't the only one excited about this opportunity, either. 

"It's definitely a boost to the whole team," Kane said about Bedard coming back. "Just seeing what he's capable of doing out there, just in practice, it's high-level skill- the way he attacks, the way he can make plays off attacking. He's a special player, and he's a big part of our team, so it's nice to see him back."

Whether it is at even strength or on the power play, the offense should come quickly when these two are on the ice together. It will also slot every other player into spots that are better suited to their ability. 

It might feel like an early-season Tuesday night match against an Eastern Conference opponent, but in a lot of ways, it's a new beginning for the Blackhawks and their franchise player. 

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