The Chicago Blackhawks named Nick Foligno as their team’s next captain on Wednesday morning. Foligno becomes the 35th captain in the team’s history and their first since Jonathan Toews (2008–2023).
“Nick’s commanding presence in the locker room has been instrumental in helping the team find its identity,” said Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson in a press release. “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 was brought into the organization during the summer of 2023 to be a leadership presence for the younger players. Last season, he was named as an alternate captain to start the year. He recorded 37 points with 17 goals and 20 assists. This will be Foligno’s second stint as an NHL team’s captain, serving in the role for the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2015–2021, leading them to four straight playoff berths from 2017–2020. He was award the Mark Messier Leadership Award with the Blue Jackets in 2016–17 for his on-ice and off-ice contributions.
The former first-round pick has played with Ottawa, Columbus, Toronto, Boston and Chicago during his 17-year career. He has amassed 562 points in 1,155 career regular season games.
“The fact that Danny, Kyle, 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 in the press release. “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.”
The Blackhawks’ training camp opens today with player physicals, with practices beginning tomorrow at Fifth Third Arena at 10 a.m. CDT.