Nick Foligno’s future in Chicago is one of the more intriguing storylines to watch as the NHL trade deadline approaches. The 38-year-old veteran, who wears the “C” for the Blackhawks, is in the final year of his contract and set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. With Chicago deep in a rebuild and Foligno still chasing his first Stanley Cup, the question becomes: does he want to ride it out with the Blackhawks, or take one last shot at a championship elsewhere?
If Foligno expresses a desire to stay put in Chicago, the organization is expected to respect that. He’s been a valuable presence in the locker room, a mentor to the team’s younger core, and a stabilizing force during a transitional period for the franchise. But if he’s open to a trade, there’s no shortage of contenders who could use a player with his leadership, versatility, and playoff experience.
Let’s take a closer look at three teams that could be logical fits if Foligno is willing to chase a Cup this spring.
Minnesota Wild
This one has a bit of a storybook feel. Minnesota is firmly in the playoff mix and clearly all-in after swinging a big trade for Quinn Hughes earlier in the season.
Adding Foligno would not only bolster their bottom six with a reliable two-way presence, but it would reunite him with his younger brother, Marcus Foligno. That kind of family connection doesn’t happen often in the NHL, and it could be a motivating factor for Nick if he’s considering a move.
From a hockey standpoint, the Wild could use a veteran voice and a player who thrives in the gritty, physical style that playoff hockey demands. Foligno checks those boxes and would bring a level of accountability and playoff-tested leadership that could help Minnesota in the later rounds.
Colorado Avalanche
Colorado is once again looking like a juggernaut. With a 33-5-8 record, they’ve been steamrolling through the regular season and are firmly in the conversation as a top Cup contender. While their top six is loaded with firepower, depth scoring is always a premium come playoff time-and that’s where Foligno could make a real impact.
He’s not going to light up the scoreboard, but Foligno’s value lies in his ability to play heavy, smart minutes in the bottom six, kill penalties, and bring a playoff mindset to every shift. On a team with high-end talent already in place, a player like Foligno can be the kind of glue guy who helps push a contender over the top.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Don’t count out the Lightning. Even with their core aging and cap constraints limiting their flexibility, Tampa Bay has made a habit of finding the right role players to round out their roster for a playoff run. Foligno fits the mold of the kind of veteran they’ve targeted in years past-versatile, experienced, and capable of playing up and down the lineup.
He’d give their fourth line a shot in the arm, particularly with his ability to play both wing and center. That kind of flexibility is valuable in the postseason, where injuries and matchups can dictate nightly lineup changes. Foligno’s physical edge and leadership would also mesh well with the Lightning’s battle-tested roster.
At this point in his career, Foligno has earned the right to choose his path. Whether that means staying in Chicago to continue mentoring a young group or chasing a championship with a contender, the decision will ultimately come down to what he values most in what could be the final stretch of his NHL journey.
If he does opt to move, there are teams out there that could use exactly what he brings: veteran leadership, playoff grit, and a team-first mentality. And for a guy who’s given so much to the game, the chance to lift the Cup-even once-might be too good to pass up.