Blackhawks Sign Forward Nick Foligno to Multi-Year Extension

CHICAGO- While the NHL has had considerable buzz around younger players recently (Connor Bedard, Jack Hughes, Trevor Zegras, Etc.), where is the love for the veterans? The Chicago Blackhawks showed their love for their veteran forward Nick Foligno by giving him a multi-year contract extension and a raise.  

Image Credit: X (NBC Sports Chicago)

Foligno arrived in Chicago through a trade with the Boston Bruins, and was set to test unrestricted free agency in the summer when his one year, four million dollar deal with the Blackhawks was set to expire.  

The deal is nine million dollars over two years, solidifying Foligno’s place as a leader and key piece of this rebuilding Blackhawks team. Foligno is not a stat sheet stuffer by any means, only accumulating 8 goals and 9 assists in his 2023-2024 campaign. He does, hwoever, play an integral role within this Blackhawks team as a leader on and off the ice. 

At 36 years old, Foligno is in a perfect position to mentor the Blackhawks young talent and help with the rebuilding phase. While they are playing without a specified captain, Foligno has emerged as a natural leader due to the intangibles that he brings to the table.

Image Credit: Nesn

These intangibles were on display on January 5th in the Blackhawks matchup against the New Jersey Devils. After the Blackhawks young star Connor Bedard left the game with a broken jaw in the first period, Foligno was quick to drop gloves with the culprit, New Jersey Defenseman Brendan Smith. This fight showed Foligno’s willingness to go to bat for his younger teammates and echoed the respect that he has in the locker room.

Image Credit: Daily Faceoff

Unfortunately, Foligno suffered a fracture to his left finger in the fight against Brendan Smith. When he is back from the injury reserve, however, he will be looking to right the ship in Chicago the best he can and lead this rebuilding team through its recent turmoil. 

You can see the Blackhawks, minus Foligno and Bedard, square off against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday January 16th 8:30pm ET.