Nick Foligno Named Captain of the Chicago Blackhawks
Jonathon McDowell 
The Chicago Blackhawks decision to name Nick Foligno as captain is a calculated and insightful move. For an organization in the midst of a rebuild, with the crown jewel of that process being generational talent Connor Bedard, Foligno’s leadership will play a pivotal role in bridging the present with the Blackhawks bright future. Naming Foligno captain now provides stability to the franchise, sets a precedent for work ethic and character, and ensures that when Bedard is ready to assume the mantle of captaincy, he will inherit a team with a clearly defined identity.
The Importance of Leadership in a Rebuild
Rebuilding teams need more than just talent to succeed—they need strong leadership to foster a positive environment and to keep young players focused through inevitable growing pains. The Blackhawks are well aware of the importance of setting the right tone in this critical phase of development. While the hype surrounding Bedard is sky-high, thrusting an 19-year-old into a captaincy role in his sophomore season would be an overwhelming weight, no matter how talented or mature he is. Naming Foligno captain allows Bedard to gradually acclimate to the pressures of NHL leadership without being burdened by it right away.
Foligno, a 17-year NHL veteran, is the ideal candidate to hold the captaincy in the interim. His vast experience as a former captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets means he knows how to handle the highs and lows of being the face of a franchise. Most importantly, Foligno is known for his ability to lead both by example and with his voice in the locker room, a rare combination that is critical in helping younger players understand the culture of the NHL. His presence allows Bedard and the other Blackhawks young core to grow into leadership roles naturally, without the crushing expectations that could stifle their development.
Foligno’s Role as a Shield for the Blackhawks
The Blackhawks roster is made up of young, developing players, and these players will face pressure not just to perform, but to carry the weight of a franchise looking to recapture past glories. In such an environment, having a veteran like Foligno at the helm provides a protective buffer. Foligno can absorb much of the media scrutiny and fan expectations, allowing the young players to focus on their game.
Foligno has been through the grind of long NHL seasons and knows how to maintain an even-keeled approach. His experience will be invaluable in helping the Blackhawks navigate inevitable slumps and adversity. Foligno’s presence offers a steadying influence during tough stretches, where a young team might otherwise be prone to frustration and self-doubt. This is crucial for protecting a talent like Bedard, who will undoubtedly face immense attention and pressure carrying on from last season.
By allowing Foligno to act as a protective figure, Bedard can concentrate on his own development, both as a player and a leader, without the additional responsibilities of being captain right away. When the time comes for Bedard to take the torch, he will have had the chance to watch and learn from a seasoned veteran, observing the complexities of being a captain in the NHL.
Foligno’s High Character and Work Ethic
What Nick Foligno brings to the Blackhawks is not just his leadership ability but a blueprint for what it means to be a professional in the NHL. Foligno’s career has been defined by his relentless work ethic, commitment to team success, and unshakeable character. These are exactly the traits that a rebuilding franchise needs to instill in its young players.
Foligno’s reputation as a consummate pro sets the standard for what is expected in the Blackhawks locker room. His influence will help ensure that the young core develops the habits necessary for long-term success—showing up early to practice, maintaining focus during tough games, and handling off-ice responsibilities with professionalism. The Blackhawks are not just developing players, they’re developing future leaders, and Foligno will help define the culture that Bedard and others will inherit.
In today’s NHL, where talent alone doesn’t guarantee success, instilling a culture of hard work and accountability is paramount. Foligno has the credibility and dignity to ensure that the young Blackhawks buy into this mentality. It’s a mindset that Connor Bedard will one day champion, but for now, having a veteran like Foligno to enforce these values is critical for the team’s immediate future.
Bedard as Future Captain
Though Foligno is the perfect short-term solution as captain, it’s clear that Connor Bedard is being groomed for the role in the long term. Bedard, the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, is the future face of the franchise and, in many ways, the next cornerstone of Chicago hockey. His poise, skill, and maturity have been widely praised, and there’s no doubt he will eventually be ready to lead the team on and off the ice.
However, the Blackhawks decision to appoint Foligno as captain shows they are in no rush to place the burden of leadership on Bedard’s shoulders. The organization understands that Bedard’s focus right now should be on his development as a player. Naming a captain too soon can come with complications like additional media pressure, locker room dynamics, and the overall weight of having to represent the team at every turn. By allowing Bedard to focus purely on his on-ice performance, the Blackhawks are setting him up for success.
When the time comes for Bedard to take over as captain, he will be better prepared, having had the opportunity to develop under the mentorship of Foligno. In Foligno, Bedard has the perfect example of how to carry oneself as a captain, how to balance leadership with individual performance, how to maintain a professional demeanor, and how to handle the pressures of being the face of a franchise.
Final Thoughts
In Nick Foligno, the Chicago Blackhawks have found the perfect interim captain. A veteran leader who can protect a young team, instill the right values, and guide the franchise through the early stages of its rebuild. By naming Foligno captain, the Blackhawks are laying the groundwork for Connor Bedard’s eventual leadership, allowing him to grow into the role naturally while learning from one of the most respected players in the game.
As Bedard develops into the superstar and leader that many expect him to become, he will inherit a team that has been shaped by Foligno’s example. In this way, Foligno’s captaincy is not just about the present, but about setting the foundation for the Blackhawks future. The future where Bedard will lead the team to new heights, built on a culture of hard work, character, and professionalism defined by Nick Foligno.
