Veteran Nick Foligno appears to have gained the trust of the Chicago Blackhawks, who gave him a two-year, $9 million contract extension on Friday.
The 36-year-old forward signed a one-year, $4 million deal in late June and could have tested the free agent market next summer.
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After missing his team's last three games due to a broken finger on his left hand, Foligno has eight goals and nine assists for 17 points in 39 games this season, his first in the Windy City. Notably, the former Columbus Blue Jackets scored a total of 542 points in 1,120 regular season games.
The date of his return to play has not yet been determined, but the Hawks are in desperate need of his services. Without Connor Bedard, who is dealing with a broken jaw, they sit last in the National Hockey League's Central Section with just 26 points.
Both injuries occurred during the Jan. 5 matchup against the New Jersey Devils when Bedard took a hit from defenseman Brendan Smith. Foligno then defended his teammate by fighting the opposing player.