Nick Foligno Named 35th Captain of Chicago Blackhawks

Nick Foligno has been appointed as the 35th captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, the team announced on Wednesday. The announcement coincides with the beginning of their training camp, marking a new chapter for the franchise as Foligno steps into the prestigious role previously held by Jonathan Toews, a key figure in the Blackhawks’ history.

Foligno expressed his gratitude and excitement upon receiving his captain’s jersey from his children. “I don’t take this lightly,” he stated, reflecting on the esteemed history of the team’s leadership. He acknowledged the success of former leaders and expressed his ambition to revive that spirit with the support of his teammates and the fans.

The Blackhawks, who had played without a captain last season following the departure of Toews, were in search of leadership as they worked on rebuilding their team dynamics. Foligno, acquired through a trade with the Boston Bruins, was a natural choice given his leadership experience as a former captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

General Manager Kyle Davidson highlighted Foligno’s influencing presence in the locker room, noting his role as a mentor to younger players both on and off the ice. This leadership quality made him an ideal candidate to lead the team as they aspire to improve from last year’s performance, finishing last in the Central Division.

With a career spanning 1,155 games over 17 NHL seasons, Foligno brings a wealth of experience to the Blackhawks. His resume includes playing for teams like Ottawa, Columbus, Boston, and Toronto. Foligno’s impressive career stats feature 232 goals and 330 assists. Additionally, he has earned accolades such as the Mark Messier Leadership Award and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his exemplary leadership.

As the team looks to the future, Foligno’s leadership is expected to play a crucial role in guiding the Blackhawks through their rebuilding phase and fostering a competitive spirit on the ice.