Chicago Blackhawks name Nick Foligno 35th captain in franchise history

On Wednesday, the Chicago Blackhawks announced that forward Nick Foligno has been named the team’s new captain.

The 36-year-old is the 35th captain in franchise history and the first since Jonathan Toews stepped away from hockey following the 2022-23 season.

The 2024-25 campaign will be just Foligno’s second campaign with the Blackhawks, as he was one of many veterans who were brought into the fold prior to last season. Yet, general manager Kyle Davidson admits Foligno has already made a significant in the locker room.

“In a very short amount of time,” Davidson explained in a release. “Nick has quickly earned the respect of his teammates and our staff. Nick’s commanding presence in the locker room has been instrumental in helping the team find its identity. He has served as a mentor to many of our young players both on and off the ice while also heading up the leadership group comprised of our veteran players, and we are beyond confident that he will flourish in the role of captain as we usher in a new era of Blackhawks hockey.”

Foligno stated that, despite having served as a member of the team’s leadership group in 2023-24, it is an honor to wear the ‘C’ for the Original Six franchise.

“The fact that [team chairman Danny Wirtz], Kyle, [head coach Luke Richardson] and my teammates have all put their faith in me to lead this amazing group is extremely humbling, and I thank them all for the opportunity,” Foligno said. “I am beyond honored to serve as captain for this storied franchise and its incredible fans, especially during such a pivotal time toward the team’s future.”

Foligno’s role with the Hawks was noticeable in his first season, as he was notably a key mentor during Connor Bedard’s rookie year.

This is not the first time that the Buffalo native has been a captain. In six of his nine seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Foligno was the franchise’s on-ice leader and one of the team’s top players during its good years. In 2016-17, he earned the Mark Messier Leadership Award and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his leadership qualities and humanitarian efforts.

Foligno was originally taken 28th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2006 NHL Draft. After five seasons with the Sens, he was traded to the Blue Jackets in July 2012. Folignoa was part of a big trade deadline deal that saw him go to the Toronto Maple Leafs in April 2021, though he would later sign with the Boston Bruins that offseason. The one-time All-Star was traded to the Blackhawks last summer, with Taylor Hall, for Ian Mitchell and Alec Regula.

Foligno signed a two-year contract extension this past January to stay in Chicago through the 2025-26 campaign.

In 1,155 games, Foligno has scored 232 goals and 330 assists for 562 points. The former Sudbury Wolf has also registered 27 points in 68 Stanley Cup Playoff games.