Foligno Brothers United: Veteran Forward Joins Minnesota Wild
St. Paul, Minnesota – In a move that brings together two familiar faces and adds a seasoned presence to their roster, the Minnesota Wild have acquired forward Nick Foligno from the Chicago Blackhawks. The trade, announced Friday, sees Foligno joining his brother, Marcus Foligno, in Minnesota, creating a rare and heartwarming sibling pairing in the National Hockey League. The Blackhawks will receive future considerations in the deal, according to a team statement. This acquisition comes as teams finalize their rosters ahead of the NHL trade deadline, seeking to bolster their chances for a deep playoff run.
The 38-year-old Foligno, a veteran of 19 NHL seasons, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Wild. While his offensive numbers this season – 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) in 37 games with Chicago – may not be his career highs, his impact extends beyond the scoresheet. Known for his physicality, defensive responsibility, and strong function ethic, Foligno is expected to provide a valuable presence in all situations. He has 2844 hits, ranking him fifth among active NHL players, and 1007 penalty minutes, placing him eighth.
A Long and Illustrious Career
Born October 31, 1987, in Buffalo, New York, Nick Foligno has carved out a remarkable career since being drafted 28th overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2006. According to his Wikipedia profile, he played for the Senators from 2007 to 2012 before being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he spent nine seasons and served as captain for six years (2015-2021). He also had stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs (2021-2022) and the Boston Bruins (2021-2023) before joining the Blackhawks in 2023. Throughout his career, Foligno has accumulated 608 points (250 goals, 358 assists) in 1,270 regular-season games.
Foligno’s leadership qualities have been consistently recognized throughout his career. He captained the Blue Jackets to several successful seasons, setting personal bests in goals (31), assists (42), and points (73) during the 2014-15 season. He also served as captain of the Blackhawks for the past two seasons (2024-2026) and as an alternate captain in 2023-24. His commitment to the game extends beyond the ice, as evidenced by his recognition with the King Clancy Memorial Trophy and the NHL Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2017.
A Family Affair in Minnesota
The trade to Minnesota holds a special significance for Foligno, as it allows him to reunite with his younger brother, Marcus. The two have long shared a close bond, both on and off the ice, and the opportunity to play together in the NHL is a dream come true. “To go to a great team like Minnesota, a team that I’ve obviously followed with Marcus there, it’s pretty humbling,” Nick Foligno told Sportsnet. As reported by NHL.com, he added, “It honestly feels like our mom got a little something to do with that, as she is smiling down on us today.”
The Foligno brothers’ mother, Janis, tragically passed away from breast cancer in 2009. Their shared experience of loss has strengthened their bond and fueled their commitment to supporting cancer research. The “Foligno Face-off,” a fundraising initiative involving the brothers, the Blackhawks, the Wild, the NHL Players’ Association, and the V Foundation for Cancer Research, highlights their dedication to this cause.
What This Means for the Wild
The addition of Nick Foligno provides the Wild with a versatile forward who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. He is a proven leader and a respected veteran who can mentor younger players. While he is in the final season of a two-year, $9 million contract ($4.5 million average annual value) and can grow an unrestricted free agent in July, his immediate impact on the team’s culture and performance could be significant. The Athletic reports that Foligno will wear number 71 for the Wild and could potentially produce his debut on Sunday against the Colorado Avalanche.
The Wild are currently in a competitive battle for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Foligno’s experience and leadership could be crucial as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season. His ability to play in all situations – power play, penalty kill, and even-strength – makes him a valuable asset for coach John Hynes. The team hopes that his presence will not only improve their on-ice performance but also provide a boost to their locker room atmosphere.
International Experience and Accolades
Beyond his NHL accomplishments, Foligno has also represented the United States on the international stage. He has participated in the IIHF World Championships in 2009, 2010, and 2026, serving as an assistant captain in 2010 and 2016. His commitment to representing his country underscores his passion for the game and his dedication to excellence.
Foligno’s career has been marked by consistent performance and unwavering commitment. He has appeared in 11 playoff series, accumulating 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists) in 68 games. His ability to perform under pressure and his experience in high-stakes situations will be invaluable to the Wild as they pursue their playoff aspirations.
The trade represents a significant moment for both the Foligno brothers and the Minnesota Wild organization. It’s a chance for two siblings to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing together in the NHL and for the Wild to add a veteran leader to their roster as they push for a Stanley Cup championship. The acquisition of Foligno signals the Wild’s intent to compete now and reinforces their commitment to building a winning culture.
The Minnesota Wild will next face the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday, March 8th. Fans can follow the game and team updates on the official NHL website and the Wild’s social media channels.
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