Blackhawks Column: Re-Signing Nick Foligno Absolutely the Right Move

Two more years of Nick Foligno is exactly the right move for the Chicago Blackhawks. Though he’s sported the A on his sweater this season, Foligno has been the clear leader on and off the ice for the rebuilding team, and with a two-year extension now in place, it’s going to allow for more growth and perhaps the more direct approach of leadership that could include that A becoming a C next season.

Captain Nick Foligno Seems to Make a Lot of Sense Now

It seemed like the Blackhawks could have elevated Connor Bedard quickly through the ranks of captaincy, but it’s critical the the organization go at the right pace and pick the right people to be wearing the right letters on the sweater.

Who better to learn from that Foligno? A one-year deal signed last summer, Foligno and the Blackhawks were a perfect match from the onset. The 36-year-old forward has prominent spot marked out for him with the rebuilding club, able to lead a team back into what he has called numerous times “Chicago Blackhawks” hockey that many remember during the glory years in the last decade.

For the Blackhawks, they have a built in leader who knows what it takes to be a contender while also being the face that answers after the highs and lows that correspond during the season.

He’s already done that throughout this season–why not add two more and potentially the captaincy with it?

Foligno Signing a Clue to Davidson’s plan?

It stays in line with his short-term signings and it also guides the Blackhawks through a couple more seasons. But the signing also doesn’t include a no movement or no trade clause, which doesn’t block Foligno from chasing a Cup elsewhere. The deal also earned him a raise of $500k, and an extra year of term.

It’s a  win-win for both sides now, and potentially, a bigger win for everyone as the team moves from rebuild to hopeful contention.  But the Blackhawks show they’ll pay more dollars for shorter term, providing flexibility down the road.

But the Hawks are smart in locking up the natural leader. It’s already paid dividends for the team already. Now Foligno will likely help build and inspire the next core of leaders as the youngsters come to Chicago.