While Nick Foligno is a good leader and someone for the young Chicago Blackhawks team, it is time for him to move on as he has declined and young players are pushing for spots that he is taking up. A trade at the trade deadline is the best option if Chicago can get something.
Foligno isn't the most attractive trade option for teams out there, but he would provide depth, leadership, veteran experience, and physicality for a team not looking to spend a ton on adding a little talent. Maybe for a team in the playoff race that may or may not get in. That team could use a later pick to grab someone like Foligno. And Aaron Portzline thinks the Columbus Blue Jackets could be the fit for the veteran.
The Blue Jackets have won seven games in a row and now sit four points back of a playoff spot. They are in ninth place in a crowded Eastern Conference that they have shot up because of their win streak. The team also has so much cap space that any move won't make much of a dent this season.
Columbus has many options at forward, but if they remain in the race for the playoffs, the young players who got chances earlier in the season won't be called up. The team will want more experienced players to push to get in. Foligno doesn't have to play every game and he would slot in on the fourth line when he does, but the Blue Jackets also deal with plenty of injuries and need the depth to help suppress that.
The Blackhawks have hit on late picks and as a team not yet in a position to get into the playoffs, another pick to draft a player or to acquire someone else is never a bad move if they can acquire one easily.
Foligno was a strong addition to the Blackhawks when the team brought him in, but with him being a UFA after the season, it's time to move on before the trade deadline.
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