Blackhawks’ Foligno exits game versus Golden Knights

The Chicago Blackhawks announced that captain Nick Foligno would not return to Thursday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Foligno scored one goal and logged 6:40 minutes of ice time before exiting the game. It is not known why Foligno exited but an update should come from the Blackhawks either post-game or tomorrow.

Foligno has racked up 12 goals and 14 assists for 26 points in 58 games this campaign.  The Blackhawks named Foligno the 35th captain in franchise history in September, and the first since Jonathan Toews stepped away from hockey following the 2022-23 season.

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.  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.

The Buffalo native 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. Foligno has also spent time with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins.

Foligno signed a two-year contract extension last season to stay in Chicago through the 2025-26 campaign.

In 1,213 games, Foligno has scored 244 goals and 344 assists for 587 points. The former Sudbury Wolves forward has also registered 27 points in 68 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Chicago currently sits second to last in the Western Conference ahead just two points on the San Jose Sharks. The Blackhawks currently have a record of 17-34-7 and 41 points.