Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno looks ready to finally lace up in a game again for the Blackhawks, a much-needed lift for a struggling club that has dropped multiple games without its leader and star Connor Bedard in the lineup.
Foligno, 38, has been out since Nov. 15 with a hand injury that landed him on injured reserve and kept him off the ice through mid-December.
The veteran winger had six assists in 15 games before the injury, anchoring the Blackhawks' depth with the kind of veteran grit and leadership you can't duplicate on paper.
Chicago has suffered without him. The Blackhawks lost 3-2 to the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier this month during a tight game and then were beaten 6-4 by the Ottawa Senators, where defensive lapses in the third period were costly.
Without Foligno's penalty kill presence and board work, the young Hawks have looked overmatched at times when the skating gets heavy.
Head coach Jeff Blashill has been cautious but encouraged by Foligno's progress, noting he skated fully with the team and joined morning skate with extra work afterward before recent games. That's a major sign because it shows he's moving beyond basic drills and handling game-like situations on the ice again. Chicago Blackhawks fans and analysts alike have been watching closely because Foligno isn't just another forward; he's the guy who sets a physical tone and stabilizes younger skaters when the game gets messy.
His impact isn't just measured in points; it's felt in puck battles, motivation, and accountability. The team could really use that as they try to climb out of a brief skid.
Foligno isn't yet officially cleared to play, but his inclusion on upcoming road trips and increasing practice reps make it likely he's in the mix soon.
If he returns before the New Year, his presence could steady both the power play and short-handed units, and give Chicago a boost of confidence.