Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno released unexpected statement on the upcoming season

On Tuesday morning, May 27, the Chicago Blackhawks held an introductory press conference for their new head coach, Jeff Blashill, where he sat alongside general manager, Kyle Davidson, as the two gave opening remarks before answering questions from the media.

Meanwhile, both leaders on the team, captain Nick Foligno and alternate captain Connor Murphy, made their presence in seeing their new coach's introduction.

"We have the right veterans in our group to be 'Papa Bears' to the young players we have and to help them grow," Jeff Blashill stated of the older players who are still with the team.

Following the press conference, Foligno was generous with his time as he answered multiple questions for the media and showed honesty as he assessed the situation.

He spoke about how the players on the team, regardless of their status in the league, have to show up with a commitment to becoming the best possible.

«You have to have people that want to be here. We have the guys in the room that are committed to this, and that going hand-in-hand with Coach Blashill will be huge for this group.»

Nick Foligno then continued by expressing his feelings towards the organization's new head coach.

"He [Blashill] seems like the guy that understands where he wants to go and how he wants to do it. That excites a player like myself, and I'm sure a lot of guys in the locker room, that we have a direction that he wants to go and a standard that we're going to get to. We're going to do it together."

"I see this team being a surprise next season," Foligno stated when describing how pumped he is to begin the season under Blashill.

While it is uncertain how the upcoming season will go for the Blackhawk, having an optimistic captain a great start.