Nick Foligno Opens Up On His Blackhawks Future

 

At 36 years old, Nick Foligno was signed to a one-year, $4 million deal by the Chicago Blackhawks this season, mostly for the veteran leadership and off-ice contributions he could provide to the young, rebuilding team. But obviously, things have been going well enough in the relationship that both Foligno and the Blackhawks are now open to an extension.

I’m definitely open to talking.  We got to move this in the right direction, so I want to be a part of that and helping. It’s great to hear (Hawks GM Kyle) Davidson has been thinking about (an extension). I really haven’t had a ton of conversation with Kyle on that. But I’m of the mindset right now, I’m just taking it day by day, kind of being in the moment. And if that presents itself, we’ll discuss it with my agent and see if there’s a way forward. But all signs from me right now are I’m really loving everything about this organization and the guys and, like I said, trying to help push this in the direction I expect it to go.

As for Davidson, he agrees that it’s definitely not too early to start thinking about an extension, even though according to the CBA, talks can’t begin until January 1. “Nick’s influence has been so positive within the organization. He is (“the team Dad”). And that’s exactly what we wanted out of him. I don’t see any reason why we wouldn’t want to have that around moving forward.“

Foligno is off to a great start for the Blackhawks this season with eight goals and nine assists in 35 games. It’s his best points-per-game pace in seven years. In his 17th season, he’s showing he still has plenty to give as his time on ice per game is also up to the highest it’s been over the past four years, logging just under 18 minutes a night.

The Blackhawks as a team still have a ways to go, of course, currently sitting in last place in the Central Division at 11-22-2, and just three points ahead of the San Jose Sharks for last overall in the Western Conference. But Foligno‘s influence has been nothing but positive and pushing the team in the right direction. “He has great leadership abilities that really fester around the room. So can’t say enough about what he’s brought here this year, and it’s shown in his play,“ said head coach, Luke Richardson. 

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