COLUMBUS, Ohio – Nick Foligno served as a captain for the NHL All-Star Game in Columbus. Now he’ll wear the “C” for the Blue Jackets.
Foligno, 27, was announced Wednesday as the club’s first captain in almost three years. None was selected after the Blue Jackets dealt Rick Nash to the New York Rangers in July 2012.
“Over the past three seasons, Nick Foligno has distinguished himself on the ice, in the dressing room and in our community. He has earned the respect of his teammates, coaches and our fans through his work ethic on and off the ice, as well as his passion for the game and compassion for others,” said general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.
Foligno is the sixth captain in franchise history, following defenseman Lyle Odelein (2000-02), forward Ray Whitney (2002-03), defenseman Luke Richardson (2003-05), defenseman Adam Foote (2005-08) and Nash (2008-12).
Foligno, acquired not long after Nash’s departure in a deal with Ottawa, is coming off the best season of his career with personal bests of 31 goals, 42 assists and 73 points. He was a captain in the All-Star Game in January, played on the Blue Jackets’ home ice.
Alternate captains will be named later.