Senators by the Numbers: #71

Senators by the Numbers continues with #71. No Senator has ever worn 69 or 70.

Nick Foligno C/W 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012

Born in Buffalo in 1987, Foligno was drafted 28^th overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2006. Part of a hockey family, Nick wears #71 in honour of his father, 15-year NHL vet Mike Foligno. Nick's younger brother Marcus currently plays for the Buffalo Sabres. Nick began his junior career with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program; however, in 2004-2005 he joined the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL, coached at the time by his father. After recording 38 points in his first season, his offensive production increased in his second year with the Wolves, leading the team in points with 70. He spent a third season with Sudbury, contributing 88 points. After finishing his junior career, he spent some time with the Binghamton Senators, playing 28 games in 2007-2008, but spending the bulk of the season with Ottawa. He scored his first NHL goal on October 18, 2007 against Carey Price, celebrating with his father's trademark "Foligno Leap". He spent the entirety of the next four seasons with Senators, splitting time between the second and third lines. A durable forward during his time in Ottawa, he was also a rugged and reliable offensive contributor. During the 2012 offseason, Foligno was an RFA and was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets for defenseman Marc Methot. He is currently a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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