Leadership void: Chicago Blackhawks move forward without captain
Photo credit: The Hockey News
Rebuilding foundations: The Chicago Blackhawks forge ahead without a captain.
In a bold move signaling a new era for the Chicago Blackhawks, General Manager Kyle Davidson has steered the team into uncharted territory.
The departure of Jonathan Toews in 2023, the last of the legacy Blackhawks captains, marked the end of an era and the start of a foundational shift under Davidson's leadership.
This decision not to renew Toews' contract was more than a roster change; it was a statement of intent to cultivate a fresh culture within the team.
As the Blackhawks navigate this transition, the absence of an official captain has been conspicuous.
Instead, the team has opted for a leadership model that features several alternate captains, a strategy that diverges from traditional norms but reflects a broader trend in the NHL.
Currently, the Blackhawks are among nine NHL teams without a designated captain, including franchises like the Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, and Boston Bruins.
This growing list prompts speculation about the future of leadership roles in the league.
« There are 9 NHL teams without a captain:
Anaheim Ducks
Arizona Coyotes
Boston Bruins
Calgary Flames
Chicago Blackhawks
Philadelphia Flyers
Seattle Kraken
St. Louis Blues
Winnipeg Jets
Who becomes the next captain for all of them? »
Anaheim Ducks
Arizona Coyotes
Boston Bruins
Calgary Flames
Chicago Blackhawks
Philadelphia Flyers
Seattle Kraken
St. Louis Blues
Winnipeg Jets
Who becomes the next captain for all of them? »
Speculation is rife that Connor Bedard might be the next in line to wear the "C" for the Blackhawks. This young star represents the burgeoning new core Davidson is keen to develop.
In a recent statement, Davidson emphasized the team's current approach:
« Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson announced on Tuesday that instead of naming a captain this season, following the offseason departure of longtime leader Jonathan Toews, the team will instead utilize a group of alternate captains to cement the leadership core. »
This strategy not only respects the towering legacy of Toews but also fosters a more organic evolution of leadership within the team's ranks.
The big question remains: Will the 2024-2025 season see the emergence of a new captain under the guidance of Davidson and Head Coach Luke Richardson?
As the Blackhawks continue to shape their identity in this new chapter, the approach taken towards leadership is both a reflection of and a response to the evolving dynamics of modern hockey.
The team's progress in the Windy City could set a precedent for how other franchises approach team leadership in an era that increasingly favors flexibility and shared responsibilities.
| POLL | ||
9 JUILLET | 90 ANSWERS Leadership void: Chicago Blackhawks move forward without captain Who will be the next Captain for the Chicago Blackhawks? | ||
| Connor Bedard | 33 | 36.7 % |
| Connor Murphy | 5 | 5.6 % |
| Nick Foligno | 47 | 52.2 % |
| Seth Jones | 5 | 5.6 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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