On this day in 1985, the Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Black Hawks combined for a goals fest that the NHL hasn't seen since. Nick Foligno punches Brendan Smith in a Jan. 5 matchup. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAzNTgxMDAyMzQ4NTA1MDE5/usatsi_22229957_168400847_lowres.jpg] Nick Foligno punches Brendan Smith in a Jan. 5 matchup. The Chicago Blackhawks gave one of their veterans a raise starting next season. Winger Nick Foligno signed a two-year contract extension worth $4.5 million annually with Chicago, the team announced Friday. Foligno, 36, is currently on a one-year deal he signed with the Blackhawks last summer worth $4 million. Foligno's currently sidelined on the injury reserve with a fractured finger suffered on Jan. 5 against the New Jersey Devils. Up until that point, the Buffalo-born forward has eight goals, nine assists and 17 points in 39 games. His 17:31 of ice time per game is about a five-minute increase from his time with the Boston Bruins in the last two seasons. Foligno's 74 shots rank third on the team, while his 39 penalty minutes and 84 hits rank second. The Chicago Blackhawks are 31st in the NHL ahead of Friday night's games with a 12-28-2 record for 26 points in 42 games. And the team has a list of injured players, including rookie phenom Connor Bedard (fractured jaw), Seth Jones (shoulder), Anthony Beauvillier (wrist), Tyler Johnson (foot) and Taylor Hall (out for season after undergoing knee surgery). As the club continues to rebuild, Foligno is expected to remain a leader on and off the ice. “The impact Nick has already had on our team in such a short time is a testament to his work ethic and dedication to helping the players around him succeed,” Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said in a written statement. “Hard-working on the ice, the energy he brings every night and his versatility to play in any situation have been tremendous assets. His leadership skills both on and off the ice have been instrumental in what we are building, and we are excited for him (to) continue to push our team forward.” Chicago has more than $18 million in salary cap space this season and more than $44.6 million next season, so the Blackhawks could easily give Foligno $4.5 million annually to have him as an important leadership piece.
