Chicago is getting a little hope back with their captain on the ice again. Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill said it is a good sign that Nick Foligno (hand/wrist) is skating again, but he still has «no timeline» for his return.
Foligno suffered the injury blocking a shot in the Nov. 15 game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The puck struck his hand late in the second period, forcing him out of the game. At the time of the injury, he had six assists in 15 games this season.
Following that night, the club placed Foligno on injured reserve and projected roughly a four-week absence.
He was out as the Blackhawks kept rolling through early December, but his return now feels a bit more tangible with him on skates again.
Skating again but no date set
It would be naïve to assume his next shift is around the corner. Blashill's cautious words reflect the uncertainty still surrounding the recovery. For a guy like Foligno - a 38-year-old veteran - healing well matters more than rushing back.
Chicago head coach Jeff Blashill said it's a good sign that Nick Foligno (hand/wrist) is skating again but there's no timeline for his return. He's still a little ways away. #Blackhawks
That said, seeing the captain skate again sends a morale boost through the dressing room and fans alike. Foligno brings leadership, grit and penalty-kill value. His presence stabilizes younger players and gives Chicago a physical edge they sorely missed while he was gone.
The Hawks will likely stay patient. Once medical staff gives clearance and Foligno feels strong enough to handle full contact, he'll return. Until then they'll ride the momentum and hope their depth holds.