The Columbus Blue Jackets will be entering their 17th season as a NHL franchise this year, so we thought it’s about time we celebrate the 17 greatest Blue Jackets. This list won’t be filled with the best players per say, but rather the most impactful, durable, and lovable Jackets in our minds.
If you missed No. 8, make sure to go back and read that before this one so you can learn about Rostislav “Rusty” Klesla.
Related Story: #8 - Rostislav Klesla
#7 – Nick Foligno
O Captain! My Captain! Nick Foligno is our seventh greatest Columbus Blue Jackets player of all-time. The current captain of the CBJ will be entering his 11th season in the NHL and sixth with the Blue Jackets in 2017-2018.
Our humble captain is basically the perfect Blue Jackets player. His leadership abilities are some of the best in the entire league, allowing him to lead a very young team to one of the top records in the NHL. Additionally, he has been able to build a loving and strong culture here in Columbus, both within the team and the community.
This wasn’t always the case though. Just over a year ago, head coach John Tortorella told Foligno he didn’t think that Fligs had what it took to be a successful team captain. Instead of being hurt and allowing someone else to take the spot that he had worked so hard to earn, Foligno dug deep and continued to lead his team. Read the entire ESPN story on Fligs’ leadership.
His leadership was a major factor in the Blue Jackets’ incredible 16-game win streak and first 100-point season in franchise history. Foligno individually rebounded after a poor season, posting 26 goals and 25 assists.
Foligno’s leadership did not go unnoticed around the league either. After the team’s historic season, Foligno was awarded two of the highest honors a captain can receive: the King Clancy Memorial Trophy and the Mark Messier Leadership Award.
Related Story: Foligno Brings Home Leadership Awards
The Blue Jackets’ leader has donated millions of dollars to charities throughout the NHL career and he continues to be a source of positivity for many in hockey. His incredible generosity and his solid play as a member of our Columbus Blue Jackets makes this a rightful top 10 choice.