On Wednesday, September 18th, the Chicago Blackhawks announced who their new captain will be. They haven't had a captain since Jonathan Toews, who had been the Hawks' captain since 2008-2023. It was announced that forward Nick Foligno will be the 35th with a 'C' on his sweater.
Nick Foligno was originally selected by the Ottawa Senators in the first round (28th overall) of the 2006 NHL Draft. Throughout his career, he has recorded 562 points (232 goals, 330 assists) in 1,155 regular-season games with the Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, and the Chicago Blackhawks. He ranks fourth among all active American-born players in games played (1,155), eighth in points (562), 10th in assists (330), and 12th in goals (232). In 68 postseason games, he has a total of 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists). Previously, Foligno had served as captain of the Blue Jackets for six seasons (2015-21)... leading the team to four-straight playoff berths between 2016-20. Both he and his father, Mike Foligno, joined Bobby and Brett Hull as the only father-and-son duos to each have played 1,000 regular-season NHL games.
With Columbus during the 2016-17 season, Nick Foligno won both the Mark Messier Leadership Award, which is given to the player who leads by example through on-ice performance, motivation of members of the team, and a dedication to community activities/charitable causes, and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, which is given to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities both on and off the ice, and made a significant humanitarian contribution to his community.
Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson on Nick Foligno being named the 35th captain in franchise history: "In a very short amount of time, 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.
Nick Foligno on being named captain for the Hawks: "The fact that Danny, Kyle, Luke, 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 - 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."
Nick Foligno is entering his second season with the Blackhawks since being traded by the Boston Bruins. The 17-year NHL veteran had been named alternate captain ahead of the 2023-24 season, recording 37 points (17 goals, 20 assists) in 74 games in his first season with Chicago. He had finished tied for first on the team in power-play goals (8) while ranking third on the team in points (37), fourth in assists (20), and shared fourth in goals (17).
This not being the first time wearing a 'C' on his sweater, previously being a captain for the Columbus Blue Jackets, he'll now be the captain for a team rebuilding and looking to take the next step.
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