The Chicago Blackhawks have signed pending UFA forward Nick Foligno to a 1yr/$4M contract on Tuesday.
Foligno, 35, spent 2022-23 with the Boston Bruins where he posted 26pts (10G, 16A) across 60 contests. The former Sudbury Wolf’s rights were acquired by Chicago as part of the Taylor Hall trade on Monday.
Across 16 NHL campaigns, the 6 foot left winger has amassed 525pts (215G, 310A) in 1081 games with the Senators, Blue Jackets, Maple Leafs, and Bruins. Folingo enjoyed his best season as a professional in 2014-15 where he posted career highs in goals (31), assists (42) and points (73).
Originally drafted by Ottawa in the 1st round (28th overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Foligno adds some much needed veteran leadership to a rebuilding Blackhawks core. With the departures of cornerstone players Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, Chicago will look to usher in a new era when they take Connor Bedard 1st overall at this year’s entry draft.
Foligno is well respected around the league, and is known for playing hard minutes, in a wide variety of situations. Awarded the King Clancy Memorial Trophy & the Mark messier Leadership award in 2017, the Buffalo, NY native was a cap casualty in Boston after his 2yr/$7.6M contract expired this offseason.
-Kyle Skinner
Twitter: @JKyleSkinner
Photo: Hendrik Seis. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.