The Chicago Blackhawks announced that veteran forward Nick Foligno has signed a contract extension. The contract appears to be worth $4.5 million a year which kicks in next year. The two-year deal will expire at the end of the 2025-26 campaign. This deal is to show the appreciation of Foligno’s impact on the current Blackhawks roster that needs leadership. This lineup has a lot of young players or ones with not much experience with the grind of the NHL. Furthermore, Foligno will act as someone star rookie Connor Bedard can look up to on the team.
#Blackhawks announce a 2-year extension for Nick Foligno at $4.5 million per.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) January 12, 2024
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Nick Foligno Signs Contract Extension
The contract rewards Nick Foligno for his ability to still get it done. Foligno was originally a first-round pick by the Ottawa Senators way back in 2006. His career-high in goals assists, and points came back in 2014-15 with the Columbus Blue Jackets. That year he tallied 31 goals, and 42 assists, for 73 points in 79 games. Moreover, he did not sustain that rate, but was always seen as a great depth player. In 1120 career NHL games, he has amassed 542 points.
Nick Foligno is a 17-year veteran of the NHL. The contract will expire when he is 38. However, Foligno still provides plenty of value. Besides his leadership skills and willingness to stick up for teammates, he still plays a physical game with 84 hits through 39 games. Additionally, he will chip in offensively and can play a number of roles. He has eight goals and nine assists thus far. Perhaps most importantly, he can matchup against other team’s top lines, and be relied upon to provide stability.
What Does This Mean for the Blackhawks
The Blackhawks need players who know what it takes to play in the NHL. That’s why in the past while, General Manager Kyle Davidson acquired other veterans. Players like Nikita Zaitsev, Taylor Hall, or Corey Perry were brought in to provide depth throughout the lineup. Now with extended Foligno’s, it shows that they like what they have seen from him. If these veteran-type players can help develop some of the young players, it will build a team around Bedard.
Main photo: Ed Mulholland – USA TODAY Sports
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