The Bruins Missing Nick Foligno Is Another Win for the Blackhawks

Murphy’s point resonated after the Bruins lost to Philadelphia 3-2 Saturday, an important contest in which they failed to create more breathing room from the Florida Panthers. Make no mistake, the Eastern Conference is an absolute dogfight and the first round of the playoffs where both divisions could host massive battles.

A guy like Foligno could be an invaluable voice in the locker room for a series that needs it all. After all, he factored into the positive moments in the Blackhawks against the Sharks Saturday night. It was Foligno parking himself in front of Devin Cooley, who never saw the shot from Seth Jones which pulled Chicago within a goal. The fight he’s talked of all year yielded fruit in Chicago’s 5-4 comeback win over San Jose.

Whether its his presence on the ice or off it, Foligno has been a huge addition for the Blackhawks.

Blackhawks Have Benefitted From Acquiring Nick Foligno

The headline moment of that trade that netted Foligno was that Taylor Hall was in it, too. Foligno was famously scratched in game seven of the the Bruins’ first round loss to the Florida Panthers in the 2023 playoffs. The same series where they were up 3-1 after having the best regular season in NHL history.

Foligno was furious, and brought that with him to Chicago. Foligno has 16 goals, good enough for third on the team and has his highest total since 2018-19 when his Blue Jackets upset the Tampa Bay Lightning in a four-game sweep.

But it’s what he brings off the ice that is more valuable. Foligno is the unofficial captain of the Blackhawks, always willing to stand up for his teammates on or off the ice. He handles questions like a pro, and constantly harps on doing things the right way.

It’s the leader a rebuilding team desperately needs. Foligno hopes that he’ll be on the roster when the Blackhawks are in the playoff conversation again. But there’s a high likelihood he’s here to ensure the foundation of the young core is stable enough to not only make the playoffs, but make it a consistent effort.

Perhaps it even comes with a Stanley Cup down the road.

So when Murphy talks about Foligno’s importance, he’s not exaggerating. That has been on full display in Chicago.

But the Bruins loss–who couldn’t have moved Nick Foligno out of Boston fast enough–has been the Blackhawks massive gain.