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Blackhawks receive encouraging injury update in the midst of Connor Bedard's shoulder situation

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Sam Walker
December 15, 2025 (10:31)

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Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno was seen on the ice before practice, and it was a jolt for fans, with Foligno's unexpected appearance stirring optimism after a long absence since his November injury and questions brewing around Connor Bedard's latest status.

Foligno, 38, hasn't been in a Blackhawks sweater since November 15, when he suffered a hand injury after blocking a shot in a game versus the Toronto Maple Leafs, forcing the Blackhawks to place him on injury reserve.

That placement on IR was retroactive to mid-November, meaning the Blackhawks captain missed nearly a month of games and practices, a stretch where Chicago leaned heavily on younger forwards and depth pieces.

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The buzz Tuesday morning came from a simple sight: Foligno working on the ice ahead of Blackhawks practice, captured on video and shared by @CHGO_Blackhawks, showing the veteran taking reps ahead of the session and giving fans something they haven't seen in weeks:

"Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno is working on the ice ahead of Blackhawks practice.

The session begins at 10am, and we expect an update on Connor Bedard when Blashill speaks after practice.

Stay tuned."

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That return to the ice doesn't mean he's ready for contact or game action just yet, coach Jeff Blashill has cautioned in recent days, but the visuals are a clear step beyond the non-contact sketches of early rehab. It's heartening for a locker room that has missed Foligno's leadership and willingness to block shots.

NEW: Connor Bedard opens up on shoulder injury, hopes to return soon for Chicago Blackhawks

Nick Foligno skating again sparks hope for Blackhawks in the midst of Connor Bedard uncertainty

The timing matters for Chicago's competitive stretch, especially with star center Connor Bedard's status also looming.

NEW: Bedard injury update and it appears terrible

Blashill is expected to provide an update on Bedard after practice, and seeing Foligno out there only adds another layer to that narrative.

Whether Foligno returns to the lineup this week or next isn't confirmed, but his rehabilitation progress is palpable, and his teammates have noticed. For a Blackhawks team that's battled injuries all season, having their captain back in any capacity is a morale boost.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Ex-Blackhawks star seemingly snubbed from Team USA's projected Olympic roster

This prospect is making it hard for Blackhawks to not consider an NHL recall

Blackhawks get a bad taste of their offensive structure without Connor Bedard in painful 4-0 loss

POLL
DECEMBRE 15 \| 146 ANSWERS Blackhawks receive encouraging injury update in the midst of Connor Bedard's shoulder situation Do you think Nick Foligno returns to the lineup this week?
Yes	75	51.4 %
No	38	26 %
This month	21	14.4 %
Not sure	12	8.2 %
List of polls

Blackhawks receive encouraging injury update in the midst of Connor Bedard's shoulder situation

Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno was seen on the ice before practice, and it was a jolt for fans, with Foligno's unexpected appearance stirring optimism after a long absence since his November injury and questions brewing around Connor Bedard's latest status.

Nick Foligno skating again sparks hope for Blackhawks in the midst of Connor Bedard uncertainty

Do you think Nick Foligno returns to the lineup this week?