BOSTON — It was a year of frustration, of never quite getting started. There were injuries, more injuries, slowed response times and lack of production. Last season was not the one Nick Foligno wanted to have upon showing up with the Boston Bruins.
He has, he hopes, put that behind him.
Foligno signed a two-year, $7.6 million deal with the Bruins on July 29, 2021. He was brought to Boston for his combination of strengths, from leadership to net-front presence to toughness. He didn’t deliver much of it in 2021-22, a disappointing enough showing relative to his salary that he was placed on waivers Sunday, although he went unclaimed.
So far, two games into the season, Foligno appears much closer to the player that he and the Bruins want him to be.
“Honestly, I have confidence in who I am as a player,” Foligno said. “I’ve told you guys that. I understand the business side of it and it’s unfortunate — it’s never a good feeling — but I trusted what I can do when healthy and I’m excited about putting that out there, so that’s all I’ve tried to focus on. I can’t worry about what’s going to go on above me. I’m worried about trying to help this team.”
Foligno had two points (one goal, one assist) in a 6-3 win against the Arizona Coyotes at TD Garden on Saturday, his third multipoint game with the Bruins. He had 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) in 64 games last season.
“He got a goal where he should be, right in front of the net,” Boston coach Jim Montgomery said. “Where he’s had a lot of success his whole career. I’m happy for him. I’m happy for that fourth line.”
Video: ARI@BOS: Foligno deflects one in for a two-goal lead
Foligno’s first point, an assist on Pavel Zacha‘s first goal with the Bruins at 4:03 of the first period, was the 500th of his NHL career. He added point no. 501 at 14:03 of the second with a goal, giving Boston a 3-1 lead on a redirection.
“A good start for our group, two wins,” Foligno said. “Nice to contribute.”
There wasn’t much of that last season. He suffered through three separate injuries, starting with an oblique injury in his second game Oct. 20, an MCL injury Jan. 8 and a concussion Jan. 24. He couldn’t catch a break or find a rhythm.
And it blunted one of Foligno’s best attributes, his ability to lead.
“I’ve always kind of been that guy, trying to say things,” Foligno said. “We’re lucky, we have a world-class leader in [captain Patrice Bergeron], so there’s not much that has to be said. But sometimes the energy that comes from that is important and helping him conserve his and being able to be a voice, so he doesn’t have to speak all the time.
“That’s part of the leadership role that I’ve been in for a long time in my career.”
Foligno was captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets for six seasons (2015-21). He’s used to being vocal and making an impact. But, he acknowledged, that’s a bit harder to do when you’re adding only with your words and not with your play.
“Oh, absolutely,” Foligno said. “But I think that’s also a copout. Because being a leader is an all-the-time thing. It doesn’t matter what’s going on. I don’t know if it’s easier, but probably your voice carries a little bit more weight “
It’s something they’d appreciate from him, both the production and the leadership.
“I think he wants to be that leader,” Montgomery said. “You want to give everybody a little bit of ownership in the team and he’s relishing that right now, being a leader. He’s talking a lot on the bench with his line, with everybody, making sure everyone’s head’s up.
“It’s really nice because it’s not only Bergeron and (David Krejci) and (David Pastrnak), (Brandon) Carlo on the back end, until we get Charlie (McAvoy) and 63 (Brad Marchand) back for leadership.”
The fourth line with Tomas Nosek and rookie Jakub Lauko may not be where Foligno prefers to play. But if he can contribute the way he did Saturday, if he can stay healthy, if he can get his game righted and resuscitate his career, that part won’t matter.
“I’m feeling good,” he said. “I feel healthy. I’m excited. I like what our lines are all doing. That’s been the most fun, is every time very line is stepping over the boards, the identity that we have is exactly what we preached in training camp. It’s been fun to be a part of.”
.