Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno refuses to participate in team practice

The Chicago Blackhawks is in the running for a lottery pick during the 2025 NHL Draft with how they've played this season.

They're 8th in the Central Division, with a record of 20-38-9 after adding numerous veterans during the offseason.

A team with high-hopes, and they were shot down early this season, as a coaching change led to the team having to adjust playing styles on the fly.

The team still playing in the basement, could Nick Foligno be one Blackhawk player who has lost hope?

He failed to show up for a morning skate in Climate Pledge, instead of leading the way.

The Blackhawks morning skate, which was optional had no captains or alternate captains on the ice.

The current Blackhawks leadership structure: Nick Foligno (C), Jason Dickinson (A), and Connor Murphy (A).

You'd think as much of a true believer in the Blackhawks as Foligno is, he'd push the prospects, and rookies harder during the last stretch of the season to ensure high standards continue to be met.

Keep in mind, during an episode of Every Shift he wanted the team to put all their effort into a 3rd-period push in order to mount a comeback if they were ever put in that scenario.

Well, that fire from Foligno looks to be gone, along with Dickinson and Murphy who were absent from the ice.

Who can the Blackhawks' prospects and rookies depend on if the leadership group fails their first duty? Availability.

In order to teach they need to be available to impart their wisdom.

Is the team such a lost cause now?