In a heartwarming twist, the Foligno brothers are finally living out a lifelong dream of playing together, as Nick Foligno joins the Minnesota Wild. Nick, at 38, is temporarily crashing at his younger brother Marcus' place, much to the delight of Marcus’ family. However, Nick plans to move to a hotel soon, giving Marcus, his wife, and their daughters some space.
This reunion is especially sweet given that Marcus is currently sidelined with an injury, but the brothers are thrilled nonetheless. "We’re really excited," Nick shared, highlighting the unique opportunity to contribute to the team together.
Nick’s journey to the Wild came courtesy of a thoughtful gesture from Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson, allowing him to finish the season with his brother on a contending team. The news was so exciting that Marcus couldn’t contain himself, sharing it in the family group chat before Nick’s wife, Janelle, even knew about the trade.
Nick made his debut on the Wild’s fourth line, showing his leadership skills and engaging energy, traits that have made him a beloved figure in every locker room he’s been part of. His impact in Chicago was significant, particularly with younger players like Connor Bedard, who spoke fondly of Nick’s positive influence.
The Foligno brothers have been involved in the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer initiatives, with a fundraiser called “Foligno Faceoff” honoring their late mother, Janis. Although this particular initiative will retire, the league is keen to continue supporting their cause in new ways.
As Marcus works on his recovery, the anticipation builds for the day both brothers can hit the ice together. Nick joked about jersey nameplates, but in truth, he’s just thrilled to be part of this special moment with Marcus.
Connor Bedard summed up the sentiment, expressing joy for the brothers while humorously noting that seeing Nick in a Wild jersey will take some getting used to. For the Folignos, this isn’t just about hockey; it’s about family, legacy, and living out a dream they’ve cherished since childhood.