'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
"Well deserved" "Yikes, should been Bedard": Hockey fans react as Nick Foligno named Chicago Blackhawks 35th captain
The Chicago Blackhawks named Nick Foligno as their 35th team captain on Wednesday. Jonathan Toews held the role from 2008 to 2023. Foligno will lead a team in transition as the Blackhawks focus on developing young players like Connor Bedard.
Foligno expressed gratitude for the organization’s trust and is ready to lead during this key time. He brings over 1,100 NHL games of experience and is expected to mentor the Blackhawks' young players going forward.
The Blackhawks shared the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), saying,
"YOUR CAPTAIN NICK FOLIGNO."
Following the announcement, NHL fans began reacting to it on X.
"Yikes, shoulda been Bedard," One fan said.
"Well deserved," Another fan said.
"Thank god bedard wasn’t even close to ready to be a captain," Another fan supported the decision.
Take a look at some more reactions from NHL fans on X.
"Should have been Bedard like Pittsburgh did for Crosby," one X user commented.
"Congratulations Dude!!! You Definitely Deserve it," one fan commented.
"People saying it shoulda been Bedard lol 🤦♂️ even if they gave Bedard the C, the leader of the room would STILL be Foligno 🤷♂️😂 This is a “reward” for how he’s mentored the young guys and what he will continue to do. Bedard gets the C after Foligno retires I’m sure," one fan tweeted.
Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson praises Nick Foligno's impact as new captain
Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson praised Nick Foligno’s impact on the team. Davidson pointed out Foligno's leadership on and off the ice, especially with younger players.
“In a very short amount of time, Nick has quickly earned the respect of his teammates and our staff. 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,” Davidson said (via NHL.com).
Foligno joined the Blackhawks from Boston and scored 37 points in 74 games during his first season. He previously captained the Columbus Blue Jackets for six seasons, leading them to the playoffs four times.
Nick Foligno won the Mark Messier Leadership Award and King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2016-17. These awards recognize his on-ice performance and community involvement.
Trending
