About Nick Foligno

Growing Up in Buffalo

Nick Foligno was born on October 31, 1987 in Buffalo, NY. Foligno’s father, Mike Foligno, was the captain for the Buffalo Sabres in the 1980’s which created a strong tie to Buffalo for not only Nick Foligno and his father, but his brother Marcus Foligno.

Growing up Nick would go to the Aud with his dad where he would spent time in the locker room which helped to introduce him to the NHL life. He also learned a lot by watching his dad play. Mike Foligno was traded to the Toronto Maples Leafs which led the Foligno family to move to Ontario.

Working His Way to the Big Leagues

Nick began his 2003-04 season playing with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program’s under 17 team where he scored 7 goals and 16 points where he then played for the under 18 team where in 43 games he scored 8 goals and 20 points.

He then signed with the Sudbury Wolves in the Ontario Hockey League where he was coached by his father, Mike Foligno. In his rookie season, he scored 10 goals and 38 points in 65 games.

Getting Drafted to the Ottawa Senators

Foligno was drafted to the Ottowa Senators in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft as the 28th overall pick. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract. He played his first game with the Senators on October 3, 2007 and scored his first career NHL goal and point on October 18, 2007. He appeared in his first Stanley Cup playoff on April 9, 2008. Foligno continued to play for the Senators and was doing well until he suffered an injury and missed 21 games during the 2009-10 season. In the 2011-12 season, he made an amazing comeback with 15 goals and 47 points.

On July 1, 2012, Foligno was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Foligno had an amazing game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals where R.J. Umberger blocked a puck with his head and Foligno took the puck, skated down the ice, and shot a knuckle-puck past Marc-André Fleury to win the game. Also, he was asked to go and represent the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2015 NHL All-Star Game.

On April 11, 2021, Foligno then signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Unfortunately, Foligno suffered another injury and missed many games.

After his season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Foligno signed as a free agent for 2 years with the Boston Bruins. He played his 1,000 NHL game with the Bruins. He didn’t have a great first season with the Bruins, but did a little better his second season as he beat the single-season NHL record for both wins and total points.

On June 26, 2023, Foligno was a free agent and was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. He signed a one-year $4 million contract for the 2023-24 season. In 2024, he signed a two-year, $9 million extension with the Blackhawks on January 12. On September 18, 2024, Foligno was named the 36th captain for the Blackhawks.

Where is Nick Foligno now?

During Foligno’s off season, he lives with his wife and 3 children in Sudbury, Ontario. After losing his mother to breast cancer, he became an avid supporter of cancer patient care and research at Roger’s House, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation, and many more organizations.

Always Tied Back to Buffalo

Buffalo has had a huge impact on the Foligno family. Even though they have gone far, they always come back and try to do what they can to help the Buffalo community. A couple years ago Nick Foligno was playing against the Sabres and a fan had a sign that said, “Hey Nick, Your dad gave my dad his stick in 1987, can we have yours?” Nick saw the sign and gave them his stick just as his dad did.