Frank Nazar praises Nick Foligno and discusses their developing relationship

The Chicago Blackhawks are currently undergoing a rebuilding process, yet their locker room still boasts strong leadership. Forward Frank Nazar brought attention to the valuable contributions of veteran winger Nick Foligno, especially his work with himself, Connor Bedard, and other younger players.

Since Foligno took on the Blackhawks' captaincy in September 2024, he has set an example to follow both on and off the ice, and as evidenced by Nazar's words, he is deeply revered by his teammates.

Frank Nazar describes his time at Nick Foligno’s camp

Frank Nazar identified his week at “Camp Foligno,” or better said, an informal camp out of Foligno’s home, as the highlight of his summer while on the CHGO Blackhawks’ podcast. He recalled Foligno inviting teammates over, treating them as family, and ensuring that everyone felt appreciated.

Nazar also pointed out that the time spent with Foligno’s children and family eliminated any pressure and made the experience fun, filled with games, workouts, skating, and even lake-jumping.

The workouts, though, weren’t that simple. Nazar mentioned how one day required swimming across the lake, running across Foligno’s property, and doing push-ups, pull-ups, and squats. The workouts, though, weren’t that simple.

Nazar mentioned how one day required swimming across the lake, running across Foligno’s property, and doing push-ups, pull-ups, and squats. Mental battles were just as common as physical battles in his sessions, and he remarked on that.

The training drills turned the team players into adversary-like players, making them tough to do but rewarding to complete.

Nick Foligno’s conditioning and Frank Nazar’s contract negotiations

Nazar also commended Foligno’s conditioning, recalling a funny incident when Foligno ate a bite of a donut after each sit-up while his teammates jogged outside. Along with the joke, Nazar articulated how amazed he was: “he's in great condition. Like, honestly, I was shocked. Like, I don't mean this in a bad way, like, obviously, he's older considered for, like, an NHL player, but he's, oh, wow, he's a 10."In the meantime, there remains uncertainty regarding Nazar’s future. Noted NHL insider Pierre McGuire openly criticized the $46.13 million, seven-year contract Chicago handed him, stating that the contract in question is “It’s a great deal for the player and it’s a bad deal for the team.”Also Read: Macklin Celebrini earns his place in Canada’s Olympic conversationFrank Nazar’s praise for Nick Foligno brings to light the essential role seasoned players have in Chicago. As the Blackhawks continue to mix young players with more seasoned ones, this connection might become crucial in defining the team’s culture for the future.