The Chicago Blackhawks are beginning their 2024-25 season with a solid start, holding a record of 1-1-1 in their first three games, all played on the road against strong teams like the Utah Hockey Club, Winnipeg Jets, and Edmonton Oilers. In the previous installment of Blackhawks Bytes, we discussed the team’s promising group of prospects. Today, let’s focus on the players we’ll be watching throughout the remainder of the season, as each has played a part in the Blackhawks’ encouraging beginning.
Foligno Defies Age
We start with Nick Foligno, the new captain of the Blackhawks. Known for his vocal presence on the team, Foligno excels at rallying teammates and inspiring younger players. Despite being 36 years old (turning 37 on October 31), he continues to be a valuable player on the ice. Last season, he scored 17 goals and amassed 37 points while often playing on the top line alongside Connor Bedard. His average ice time increased from 12:22 minutes with the Boston Bruins to 17:46 minutes.
Foligno’s longtime trainer, Cal McGibbon, has tracked his workouts since he was 16, and they’ve noticed a positive trend in his performance. This summer, they concentrated on enhancing his lower-body strength and discovered through data that he has actually become quicker. McGibbon remarked, “You could visually see he hasn’t changed. He was faster than the previous year, and I’m sure you’ll see it again this season. It’s like, ‘Wow, this guy isn’t aging.’”
Foligno is clearly pleased with his results. Fun fact: he is currently on the Blackhawks’ top line with Bedard, and in the most recent game against the Oilers (October 12), he logged a team-high ice time of 19:25 minutes among forwards. Impressive for his age!
Deceptive Dickinson
Another veteran essential to the team’s success is Jason Dickinson. Known primarily as a defensive forward, he’s taken on the role of third line center for the Blackhawks’ checking line this season. However, the Ontario native had a strong offensive season last year, tying Bedard with 22 goals. Dickinson seeks to elevate his game further by leveraging his intelligence on the ice. He commented on honing his skills, and head coach Luke Richardson has praised his dedication.
Achieving 22 goals again will be challenging for the 29-year-old due to the increased offensive talent this season. While Dickinson can revert to his defensive-forward role, enhancing the third line with scoring potential is a significant advantage for the Blackhawks, particularly with him paired with speedy Ilya Mikheyev and gritty Joey Anderson.
Hall Hopes to Make an Impact
Forward Taylor Hall is eager to contribute to the team this season after appearing in only 10 games last year due to ACL surgery. Following a successful rehabilitation, Hall tested his abilities this offseason by training in Vail, Colorado, with elite players like Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby, believing it would serve as a good gauge for his readiness.
