Chicago Blackhawks honor former captain Nick Foligno with video tribute and standing ovation during March 17, 2026 game vs. Minnesota Wild at United Center.

The Chicago Blackhawks paused their matchup against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night to honor former captain Nick Foligno with a heartfelt video tribute during the first period at United Center.

Foligno, who served as Chicago’s captain for almost two full seasons before being traded to the Wild ahead of the 2026 trade deadline, received a standing ovation from the crowd as the video played. The tribute highlighted his leadership, mentorship of young players like Connor Bedard, and contributions to the organization’s rebuild.

The moment came in Foligno’s first return to United Center since the trade. He dined with Bedard and other young Blackhawks the night before the game, underscoring the lasting relationships he built in Chicago.

Multiple accounts captured the emotional scene, including posts from Blackhawks media and fan outlets showing the video tribute and crowd reaction.

More Sports News

.wp-block-group__inner-container:has(> .embla),
.wp-block-group:where(.alignfull) > .wp-block-group__inner-container:has(> .embla) {
width: calc(100vw – (var(–side-spacing) * 2)) !important;
}
.embla {
position: relative;
overflow: hidden;
}
.embla__container {
display: flex;
flex-wrap: nowrap;
gap: 0 !important;
width: 75%;
}
.embla__slide {
margin-inline-end: var(–column-gap);
}
.embla__arrow,
.embla__arrow:active,
.embla__arrow:target,
.embla__arrow:hover,
.embla__arrow:focus-visible {
display: none;
position: absolute;
top: 50%;
transform: translateY(-50%);
width: 40px;
height: 40px;
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
line-height: 0;
background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.75);
color: var(–color-primary);
border-radius: 100vw;

svg {
width: 24px;
}
}
.embla__prev {
left: 0;
}
.embla__next {
right: 0;
}
]]>

Foligno, now with Minnesota, was a steady veteran presence for the Blackhawks, providing guidance during a transitional period. The organization previously released a separate “Oh captain, our captain” tribute video following his departure in early March.