Nick Foligno is having a career resurgence
Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Entering the 2022-2023 campaign, expectations were not high for Nick Foligno. The 35-year-old was coming off a disappointing season in which he had 13 points in 64 games. His first season in Boston was filled with inconsistency and injuries. However, over the last few weeks, he has started to put last year’s struggles in the past and has been an unexpected source of offense.
In the Bruins first 12 games, he has three goals and four assists. The Buffalo native has already surpassed his goal from last year and tied his power play points total. While the veteran forward is providing a spark to the bottom six, he has also been an enforcer.
Through 151 total minutes of ice time, Foligno has added 27 hits to his resume. The 2006 draftee has also blocked 11 shots and been effective in the faceoff circle. If the season were to end today, he would finish with a career-high 70 percent faceoff winning percentage. While his play has been impressive, he has been a mentor to younger players such as Jakub Lauko.
The 22-year-old had high praise for his veteran teammate earlier this week.
"He's just like advised me along the way, every shift, every game," Lauko said during his intermission interview with ESPN. "He's a really nice teammate, really nice guy, and I'm enjoying playing with him."
Although the Bruins season is just starting, Foligno is proving to be crucial to Boston's success. He has been aggressive in the offensive zone and is shooting the puck 27.3 percent of the time. The former 28th overall pick is showing why the Bruins gave him a two-year deal last summer.
With free agency on the horizon, Foligno has a lot to prove in the coming months. He is longer a top-six forward but provides value in the bottom six. For a player who was placed on waivers just a few weeks ago, the 2022-2023 season could not have gotten off to a better start.
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