Former NHL player challenges Blackhawks' decision to crown rookie Connor Bedard captain
Photo credit: Radio-Canada
Debating the future captaincy of the Blackhawks: should Connor Bedard take the helm?
In the realm of the Chicago Blackhawks, discussions about leadership often center around veteran Nick Foligno, the team's de-facto captain.
Yet, there's growing chatter about passing the torch to none other than Connor Bedard, the young sensation who's been pivotal to the team's dynamics.
While Foligno's leadership remains undisputed, the idea of Bedard, at just 19, being adorned with the captain's "C" stirs a mix of excitement and skepticism among fans and pundits alike.
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Notably, former NHL defenseman Shane O'Brien voices a cautious stance against such a youthful appointment.
«There is a rumor that they are thinking about making him the captain this year, as a 19-year-old, I think it is a bad idea, personally Do you think this is a good idea to give him the captaincy at this young of an age? They did it with Gabriel Landeskog in Colorado and it's worked out great obviously, I just think he's too young,» O'Brien said on his Missin Curfew podcast.
Historically, the NHL has seen its share of young captains, like Sidney Crosby and Gabriel Landeskog, who both thrived in the role from a similar age.
Connor McDavid, Brian Bellows, and Vincent Lecavalier also took on NHL team captaincies in their teens, setting precedents that blend promise with substantial expectations.
Connor Bedard's rookie season was nothing short of stellar, claiming the Calder Trophy and amassing 61 points over 68 games, topping the Blackhawks' scoring charts.
This performance alone fuels arguments in favor of his early leadership.
Contrasting O'Brien's conservative view, Scottie Upshall, O'Brien's co-host, advocates strongly for Bedard's capacity to lead. He argues that Bedard's trajectory and inherent qualities make him the ideal candidate.
«The new young players that wear their heart on their sleeve that are high draft picks, their generational players, guys that are going to be there forever. Give them the captaincy, let them start to be responsible for leadership roles, meeting the coaches, and speaking on behalf of the team. Do I think Connor Bedard has it in him at this young of an age? You are not born to be that good of a hockey player and not carry some leadership qualities,» Upshall responded.
«So, at some point, I think he is the captain. If now is the time, jersey sales go through the roof, is there another guy in the room you want to wear the C before him? I don't think so. So, I think it is a great move, it creates some excitement for the team, and you tell him you are our guy,» Upshall added.
As the Blackhawks navigate this pivotal decision, the debate underscores a broader conversation about leadership dynamics in modern sports.
It begs the question: Is the mantle of leadership best served by experience, or can the vigor and perspective of youth offer a new dimension to a team's culture and performance?
This ongoing dialogue, rich with perspectives, continues to engage and divide the Blackhawks community, highlighting the complex layers of team leadership in professional sports.
| POLL | ||
25 AOUT | 35 ANSWERS Former NHL player challenges Blackhawks' decision to crown rookie Connor Bedard captain Do you think Connor Bedard should be Captain of the Blackhawks? | ||
| Yes | 13 | 37.1 % |
| No | 22 | 62.9 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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