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Chicago Blackhawks announce who will replace Jonathan Toews as team captain
Photo credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Blackhawks have named their 35th captain in team history, announcing Nick Foligno as the new leader of the team. The 36 year old signed a one-year, $4M deal last summer with Chicago. The well liked, high-energy forward impressed his new bosses so much that a new two-year deal was agreed last January.
Foligno has stepped up in a leadership role since coming to Chicago. He has taken superstar Connor Bedard under his wing, as he attempted to his rookie season. Foligno was influential in helping the Blackhawks land Tyler Bertuzzi during free agency. The veteran called Bertuzzi to tell him all about living in Chicago.
General Manager Kyle Davison released a statement on Foligno.
«In a very short amount of time, Nick has quickly earned the respect of his teammates and our staff,» said Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson. «Nick's commanding presence in the locker room has been instrumental in helping the team find its identity. He has served as a mentor to many of our young players both on and off the ice while also heading up the leadership group comprised of our veteran players, and we are beyond confident that he will flourish in the role of captain as we usher in a new era of Blackhawks hockey.»
Foligno is honored to be captain of the original six franchise.
«The fact that Danny, Kyle, Luke and my teammates have all put their faith in me to lead this amazing group is extremely humbling, and I thank them all for the opportunity,» Foligno said. «I am beyond honored to serve as captain for this storied franchise and its incredible fans, especially during such a pivotal time toward the team's future.»
Drafted 28th overall in 2006, Foligno has played for the Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins and Blackhawks during his career. In 1,155 NHL regular season games, he has scored 232 goals and 562 points.
The Blackhawks shared a video of the moment, Foligno learned he'd been named captain.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 18 | 74 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks announce who will replace Jonathan Toews as team captain How many points does Nick Foligno score next season? | ||
| 20-30 points | 39 | 52.7 % |
| 30-40 points | 28 | 37.8 % |
| 40-50 points | 7 | 9.5 % |
| List of polls | ||