Nick Foligno is Right, the Blackhawks Offseason, and Hockey’s Humanity

It was just about a year ago when Chicago Hockey Now was launched to cover Chicago Blackhawks hockey, something I really never saw happening on the bingo board of my life. That seems like a decade ago, with an NHL Draft, development camp, preseason, and an 82-game season now in the history books.

Over the course of that time, there’s been a lot of small observations made over the course of a season–and those gain steam as the season rolls on. Last night’s game was a microcosm of the season–and as I’ve written about before–is that this can’t happen again. The 2022-23 campaign barely missed 50 losses and then the current iteration tacked on five more in the dreaded column.

So when a player, especially one who is the unofficial official captain of the team, states out loud what many have been thinking for the last five months. A look at what Nick Foligno said, and a few other thoughts to kick off Chicago Hockey Now’s Blackhawks offseason coverage.

Nick Foligno Is Right– This Can’t Happen Again

I included Chicago Tribune writer Phil Thompson’s video as well because the context is absolutely important along with the way Foligno says it:

“We have to change. I want to change. We can’t go through this again. And I certainly won’t allow it.

“Either the mindset changes from the group or personnel changes.”

—Nick Foligno pic.twitter.com/Cwb6q9Ap8K

— Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) April 19, 2024

It was a careful dance all season long when players and management were pressed–but everyone knew the answer. But what can be said in the middle of January when there’s still three months to go? No one is going to come out and admit that the team isn’t built to win, that long losing streaks will be the norm, and not having a winning streak longer than two games all season long is just how it’s going to be. They’ve got jobs to do, and that will lead to another point here in just a bit.

But as I wrote earlier this season, the Blackhawks cannot afford to have another season like this. It’s going to blunt any of the progress they have made. Losing is cancerous, and Foligno knows it. Not matter the progress that has been made–it can all be gone with another wreckage of a season.

General Manager Kyle Davidson isn’t dumb. He knows this. But the appropriate thing is to let things play out, gut through it, build good habits, and then get to work as soon as teams can begin to wheel and deal–a spot where Davidson has been very good.

The Blackhawks Will Look Different Next Season

The real truth is that the team will look different with a number of players either not returning or being in Rockford for a longer stretch than this year. There are guys who certainly stood out and are playing for their careers. More on that in a moment.

The stark reality is that in order to make that jump to the next level, the Blackhawks will have to significantly improve the roster with guys who can put up more goals and make the big plays winning teams need in order to pull out and seal the victory. They’ve got role players–but just too many. They need star power.

Connor Bedard admirably answered questions–often repetitive ones–and fought the good fight. But he needs way more help. Landon Slaggert and Frank Nazar are great starts. So too will Ethan Del Mastro when he presumably is on the roster next year. Philipp Kurashev and Alex Vlasic both played up and did it often. Lukas Reichel ended the season with hope for the next.

But some of the guys who gutted it out with them, maybe not blessed with the same skillset or numbers, won’t make the cut. That in order to get to that next level, many are sent elsewhere or simply not extended an offer.

The callous side of sports reminds it’s a business, and that winning, correctly, is the main objective.  But that brings me to the last thought.

The Humanity of Hockey

It became real this week when the official news arrived that the Arizona Coyotes will move to Utah–rendering a whole segment of the business side unemployed. That includes my brother, Patrick, who I wrote about just over a month ago.  There is no easy way to talk about it, knowing that along with him are hundreds others who woke up and found out they will have to figure out a new way to provide for their families–while giving up their dream of working for a National Hockey League organization.

Thank you so much for following along throughout the day as I offered up some thanks. I know it was lame, but I’m nothing without the village that surrounds me.

Not entirely sure what lies ahead just yet, but ready for the next chapter.

— Patrick Brown (@pbrownhockey) April 19, 2024

So that thought sticks with me as the offseason takes hold. I’ve seen how patient players, coaches, and executives have been–answering questions, especially when they haven’t had their best day, game, or season. I’m not naive, either. I understand that this is results oriented and they’re big boys and know what they’re getting into. But there is this human component–one that the cameras, soundbites, articles, and columns don’t always reveal. It sticks with you days, weeks, and even months after.

Change will be coming for sure–Nick Foligno is right–it has to. But there’s still the human side of things that reminds behind the lights, noise, glamour, glory, and disappointment, human beings are always at the heart of it.

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