The Columbus Blue Jackets have not had a captain since the team traded Rick Nash to the New York Rangers following the 2011-12 season.
That changed on Wednesday.
The team announced that forward Nick Foligno will be the sixth captain in team history, joining a list that includes Lyle Odelein, Ray Whitney, Luke Richardson, Adam Foote and Nash.
"Over the past three seasons, Nick Foligno has distinguished himself on the ice, in the dressing room and in our community. He has earned the respect of his teammates, coaches and our fans through his work ethic on and off the ice, as well as his passion for the game and compassion for others," said Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen in a team statement on Wednesday. "We are proud to introduce him as the next captain of our hockey club."
After spending the first five years of his NHL career with the Ottawa Senators, Foligno was traded to the Blue Jackets on July 1, 2012, in exchange for defenseman Marc Methot.
In three years with the Blue Jackets, Foligno has scored 55 goals in 194 games.
The 2014-15 season was a career year for him as he was one of the consistent bright spots on a team that struggled through a disappointing season that was filled with injuries to several key players. He appeared in 79 games for the Blue Jackets and set career highs with 31 goals, 42 assists and 73 points, all of which shattered his previous career highs.
His performance earned him a six-year, $33 million contract extension to stay with the team back in late December.
