Blackhawks make an A+ move announcing Nick Folingo as captain

In a short time, Nick Foligno became the voice of the Chicago Blackhawks locker room last season, and now he will wear the “C” on his jersey.

The Chicago Blackhawks announced Nick Foligno as the team’s 35th captain in franchise history on Wednesday. Foligno will be the first player to wear the “C” since Jonathan Toews from 2008 to 2023.

With training camp starting later this week, the Blackhawks made the Foligno announcement at the right time. When talking about potential players to take on the role of captain, Foligno was the no brainer option. Of course, this will always be Connor Bedard’s team, but Foligno can help hold the “C” until Bedard is ready, showing him how to lead in the NHL.

Foligno, 36, is entering just his second season in a Blackhawks uniform. In 74 games last season, Foligno registered 37 points (17G, 20A). GM Kyle Davidson spoke of all Foligno brings to the team, in a news release announcing the captaincy.

“In a very short amount of time, Nick has quickly earned the respect of his teammates and our staff,” said Davidson. “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.”

Davidson spoke of the mentorship role Foligno has taken with the younger players on and off the ice. Bedard’s connection with Foligno was evident last season. Out of all of Chicago’s offseason moves the last few summers adding veterans, Foligno might be the most impactful addition. He has stepped up both on and off the ice. Davidson traded for Foligno from the Boston Bruins in June 2023. The Hawks also received forward Taylor Hall for defensemen Ian Mitchell and Alec Regula.

Why naming Foligno captain is a home run.

The Blackhawks went out and added a lot of veterans this offseason. Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen and Alec Martinez are all veteran NHL players. Giving Foligno the “C” now echoes the importance the Hawks organization sees in the veteran. Foligno previously served as the captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets for six seasons from 2015-21. During that time, he lead Columbus to four-straight playoff berths between 2016-20.

In 2017, Foligno won both the Mark Messier Leadership Award, given to the player who leads by example through on-ice performance, motivation of team members and a dedication to community activities and charitable causes, and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, given to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and made a significant humanitarian contribution to his community. Foligno is already a proven leader and with the influx of new players this offseason, he is a great voice to help take the team the next step.

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