Nick Foligno Signs With Blackhawks For Two More Years

Chicago's de facto captain gets new two-year to keep him around during rebuild — and help set stage for Connor Bedard and other prospects.

Nick Foligno plans on hanging around with the Chicago Blackhawks — and Connor Bedard & Co. — a little longer during the team's rebuild.

The Blackhawks signed Foligno, their versatile veteran forward and gregarious de facto captain, to a contract for the next two seasons, the team announced on Friday. The deal pays $4.5 million annually.

Foligno, the 36-year-old son of former NHLer Mike Foligno, signed a one-year contract for $4 million with Chicago after he was traded with Taylor Hall from Boston on June 26, 2023. The immediate goal was to provide leadership on a team that would select Bedard with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft two days later.

Long-time Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews had left the team in April, so there was a void. Before the start of the 2023-24 season, Chicago announced it would have three alternate captains and Foligno was one of them.

Coach Luke Richardson said on Friday there was no need to immediately sew a "C" on Foligno's — or anyone's — jersey. That can wait until after the season.

Besides Foligno, who captained the Columbus Blue Jackets for six seasons, will lead by action and word even without a letter, Richardson added. See video.

Coming to Chicago has also been a chance for Foligno to play more fairly late in his 17-year career. The 6-foot, 210-pound forward averaged just 12:22 of ice time per game last season on a loaded Bruins team that set a regular-season points record. 

On injury-depleted Chicago this year, Foligno has averaged 17:32, skating in all situations. Coach Luke Richardson has leaned on him especially heavily when the Blackhawks have needed to protect a lead. Foligno played a team-high 23:03 in a 3-2 win over Colorado on Dec. 19 as Chicago held on late.

Foligno has even kidded about playing so much at his age. But the job seems to suit him.

Foligno challenged and fought Devils defenseman Brendan Smith last Friday in the second period of a 4-2 loss at New Jersey after Smith's open-ice hit broke Bedard's jaw late in the first. Foligno broke a finger on his left hand in the altercation and has been out since, although he's skating.

On Friday, Richardson said the injury might keep Foligno out "week-to-week."

As Chicago defenseman Jarred Tinordi said afterward,  "Nick drives the ship in here."

“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 general manager Kyle Davidson said in a 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.”

Defenseman Seth Jones, who's set to return from a shoulder injury, played with Foligno in Columbus. He echoed the team-wide sentiment. See video.

Foligno has eight goals and 17 points in 39 games this season. He's second among Chicago skaters with 84 hits.

Foligno's family is from Sudbury, Ontario, as is Davidson. Nick Foligno, however, was born in Buffalo, New York while Mike played for the Sabres. Younger brother, Marcus, skates for the Minnesota Wild.

Nick Foligno has 223 goals and 319 assists in 1,120 career NHL regular-season games with the Ottawa Senators (2007-12), Columbus Blue Jackets (2012-21), Toronto Maple Leafs (2021), Boston Bruins (2021-23) and Blackhawks (2023-24).  He captained the Blue Jackets for six seasons.