The Chicago Blackhawks continue to be busy on the days leading up to the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Today the Blackhawks have announced the signing of newly acquired forward Nick Foligno to a new deal, one-year at a $4 million cap hit.
It was clear that the Blackhawks needed to add to the forward group in order to insulate their incoming #1 overall draft pick but many believed Foligno was just a contract throw in. Turn out that was not the case and that Kyle Davidson sees the value that Foligno can bring to this lineup, at least until the trade deadline.
Upon the release of the contract terms many media members were left scratching their head as Foligno received a raise from is $3,800,000 salary from last year. Yes, its an overpay but two things to remember, the Hawks need to hit the cap floor and they can easily flip Foligno at the trade deadline.
Foligno is the type of player that playoff teams clamor for at the Trade Deadline and he could be had for a decent draft pick, half retained by the Blackhawks.
So what does Foligno bring to the Blackhawks, at least until March 1st 2024?
Foligno, 35, is past his prime as a top of the lineup contributor but last season on a historic Boston Bruins team he was a solid bottom six contributor with 10 goals and 16 points for 26 total points. He also provides some lineup flexibility in that he can play all three forward spots, likely more of a wing but did still take 70+ face-offs so he can do it in a pinch.
What Foligno is really going to bring to this team is a veteran voice to the locker room. A former King Clancy and Mark Messier award winner, Foligno is going to be a major part of bringing along these young players, especially the incoming franchise player, Connor Bedard.
Foligno and the other newly acquired forward Taylor Hall are both former 1st round picks that understand the pressure of coming into the NHL as a high pick and help a player like Bedard understand the grind of an NHL schedule.
While I think adding Foligno and Hall to the forward mix decreases the likelihood they add another veteran to the forward group, I like what Davidson has done. They have insulated Bedard with veteran talent and set him up to be successful, while also giving them flexibility to continue to stock their cupboard with future assets at next years trade deadline.
The Hawk Line 