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Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno sends surprise message to 1st overall pick Matthew Schaefer

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Jack Sutherland
October 8, 2025 (11:48 PM)

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There was a kind gesture from Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno to 1st overall pick defenseman Matthew Schaefer, who was taken by the New York Islanders.

It's a new era for the New York Islanders, who won the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery and took defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the 1st overall pick.

Schaefer had a touching tribute to his late mother, who sadly passed away from breast cancer.

Schaefer made the Islanders and will be a rookie this year, and before his NHL debut, he revealed a touching message of support he received from Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno, who also lost his mother to cancer at a younger age.

You know, Nick Foligno, I became close with him. He lost his mom to cancer at a young age. He spoke to me, and I was talking to him about stuff like that. We have the same agent, so, yeah, he's been awesome. He's a character and he's a great guy too.

A show of sportsmanship for sure on Foligno's part to Schaefer, with whom he shares a common bond.

Nick Foligno and his brother Marcus founded a cancer foundation

After the loss of their mother, Nick Foligno and his brother Marcus, who plays for the Minnesota Wild, started the Janis Foligno Foundation, which supports local charities and research to fight the disease.

After making a $50,000 donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, Foligno downplayed the gesture.

I know my mom and she would hate the limelight. But I think she would be very happy that her kids are carrying on her legacy and shining the light on her name and her story.

Foligno was named Blackhawks captain last year, making him the 1st Chicago captain since Jonathan Toews in 2023.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Blackhawks deliver bold demotion to top forward after game one loss against Panthers

Chicago Blackhawks appear to be changing their mind on Spencer Knight with latest goaltending move announced

Breaking down the Chicago Blackhawks loss to Florida Panthers in season opener

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OCTOBRE 8 \| 97 ANSWERS Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno sends surprise message to 1st overall pick Matthew Schaefer Is Nick Foligno going to sign a new contract with the Blackhawks?
Yes	45	46.4 %
No	52	53.6 %
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Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno sends surprise message to 1st overall pick Matthew Schaefer

There was a kind gesture from Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno to 1st overall pick defenseman Matthew Schaefer, who was taken by the New York Islanders.

Nick Foligno and his brother Marcus founded a cancer foundation

Is Nick Foligno going to sign a new contract with the Blackhawks?