The Chicago Blackhawks made an interesting and calculated decision by naming Nick Foligno the captain. Some would have assumed that the title of captain would go to Connor Bedard, but the Blackhawks decided to wait and it was a smart move on the organization's part. Bedard obviously has the skills to be captain, there’s no doubt about that, but he is still young and developing as both a player and a person. Connor Bedard says he's not tired after his first full NHL season. H'e ready to skate into the IIHF World Championship for Canada. The 19-year-old already has pressure on his shoulders to bring the Blackhawks back to their former glory and revive the franchise in a way, so adding another burden of the captaincy would be a lot for him to handle. Now Bedard can just focus on playing his game and fully transforming into the player that everyone knows he will become. Eventually, there will most likely be a time when Bedard is named captain of the Blackhawks, but it will be when he is mentally ready to take on that responsibility. Foligno also has experience serving as captain for the Columbus Blue Jackets, so Chicago could not have gone with a more experienced and prepared person for this role. The veteran forward can now mentor Bedard and help him grow as a person and teach him leadership qualities that the young phenom will one day use. For fans who were hoping for Bedard to become captain, don’t worry because this decision by the Blackhawks will only help him going into the future.
