Wild Interested in Nick Foligno, And Possibly Extending His Contract

Elliotte Friedman reported during Saturday’s Headlines report that Nick Foligno was a name to keep an eye on heading into the trade deadline on Monday. He said one of the teams worth watching on the Foligno front is the Minnesota Wild and he wonders if they’ll make a play for the veteran forward to reunite him with brother Marcus.

Obviously, having the two brothers on the same team isn’t the only reason the Wild would be looking at Nick. The team sits in the third spot of the Honda West Division and are bound for the playoffs this season. There weren’t a lot of insiders who pegged them to be playing as well as they are and GM Bill Guerin is looking to add a little offense while rewarding his team with a strong season.

The Blue Jackets could trade Nick Foligno because they think they can get a first-round pick for him and the Wild have two firsts in this upcoming draft, including Pittsburgh’s selection.

Related: David Savard Trade to Tampa Bay Lightning Complete Via Red Wings

Michael Russo writes in a recent post for The Athletic: “I’ve long suspected that this offseason the Wild plan to pursue Columbus Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno in free agency.: He referenced Friedman’s Sportsnet report and touched upon the fact that if Minnesota trades for Foligno, they might immediately look to extend his contract, no longer making him a rental.

The Price Tag Is An Issue

Russo just wonders if it’s a better plan by the Wild to wait until the summer so they don’t need to give up an asset to get him. Or, if they think Foligno will sign with the Wild regardless, why not use that asset on a different player? Part of the issue is the price tag of a first. Russo writes:

If you take Wild GM Bill Guerin at his word that he’s not willing to pay big prices at the deadline and if Kekalinen stands firm, that might end up taking the Wild out of any chance of getting him. I just have trouble buying that Guerin would trade a first for him.

Russo does note, that if the price comes down before Monday, there’s no doubt the Wild will have interest. They’ll have to figure out the money, but the Blue Jackets will likely take a contract back or retain salary if it means get anything close to a first.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Podcast: Episode 1: Deadline Deals Coming Together