Nick Foligno's 'Past Tense' Captain Talk Hints at Blackhawks Exit

The veteran forward's comments suggest his time in Chicago may be coming to an end as the team struggles to make the playoffs.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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In a recent interview, veteran forward Nick Foligno, who serves as the captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, sounded like a player already saying goodbye to the team. His use of 'past tense' language and comments about wanting to play in 'meaningful games' have led many to believe Foligno could be traded before the NHL's upcoming deadline as the Blackhawks sit well outside of playoff position.

Why it matters

Foligno's comments as team captain carry significant weight, and his apparent desire to move on from the struggling Blackhawks could signal the start of a roster shakeup in Chicago. As the trade deadline approaches, Foligno's future with the organization has become a major storyline, with the team needing to decide whether to keep the veteran leader or move him for assets.

The details

Foligno, 34, is in the final year of his contract with a $4.5 million cap hit. His modest production this season (3 goals, 8 assists in 36 games) is not the primary reason he wears the 'C', as he is valued for his leadership, two-way play, and ability to set the tone physically. However, his comments about wanting to chase 'meaningful games' have been interpreted as a signal that he believes his time in Chicago is coming to an end.

  • Foligno made the comments on March 5, 2026, just weeks before the NHL trade deadline.
  • Foligno's contract with the Blackhawks is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season.

The players

Nick Foligno

A 34-year-old veteran forward who is the current captain of the Chicago Blackhawks. He is in the final year of a $4.5 million contract and has expressed a desire to play in 'meaningful games', hinting that he may be traded by the Blackhawks before the upcoming deadline.

Chicago Blackhawks

An NHL team that is currently struggling, sitting at 22-27-9 and well outside of playoff position. The team must decide whether to keep Foligno as their captain or trade him for assets as they rebuild.

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What they’re saying

“It's been an absolute honor to be the captain here.”

— Nick Foligno, Captain, Chicago Blackhawks (hawksinsider.com)

“The competitor in him wants 'meaningful games,' and Chicago has not lived in that neighborhood.”

— Nick Foligno, Captain, Chicago Blackhawks (hawksinsider.com)

What’s next

The Blackhawks will need to decide in the coming weeks whether to trade Foligno before the NHL's trade deadline or keep him for the remainder of the season, even as the team struggles to make the playoffs.

The takeaway

Foligno's comments suggest a growing disconnect between the veteran captain and the direction of the struggling Blackhawks, potentially signaling the end of his time in Chicago. The team must now weigh the value of keeping Foligno's leadership against the opportunity to acquire assets by trading him to a contender before the deadline.