Nick Foligno was a great Chicago Blackhawks captain following the departure of the legendary Jonathan Toews. He did all of the things that a captain needs to do in order to help develop a young team. 

The early years of Connor Bedard's career were positively impacted by his being there as a great mentor. It isn't only Bedard who benefited from playing with him, either. Everyone on the team who is a part of the future raved about him as a teammate.

At the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, the Blackhawks did him a solid by trading him to a Stanley Cup contender in the Minnesota Wild. He was a pending unrestricted free agent, and the Blackhawks took back "future considerations", which was Kyle Davidson doing right by his captain. 

This trade also allowed Foligno to play with his brother Marcus for the first time in their NHL careers. It was an exciting moment for the entire Foligno family when Nick joined Marcus as a member of the Wild. 

Minnesota won its first-round series over the Dallas Stars but was defeated in the second round by the Colorado Avalanche. There is a long way to go for the Wild to get over the hump, but they are going to be a good team for a long time. 

When the season was over, many wondered if that would be it for 38-year-old Nick Foligno, who will turn 39 on Halloween. However, that wonder is now over. 

On Wednesday, the first day of NHL Free Agency, Foligno signed a one-year extension with the Minnesota Wild, which will carry a cap hit of $900K. 

Likely for the last time, Nick Foligno will have a crack at winning the Stanley Cup. It will once again come alongside his brother Marcus. As a defensive-minded 4th line player, Nick will be a solid complementary piece on a team loaded with stars. 

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