Nick Foligno Likely to Sign With Wild to Play With Brother Marcus

As per a few sources now, including Andy Strickland, forward Nick Foligno is likely leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs as a pending UFA, but not returning to the Columbus Blue Jackets as some insiders projected. Instead, it appears his preference is to play with the Minnesota Wild, where he’ll join his brother Marcus Foligno.

Hearing there’s a strong possibility Nick Foligno signs in Minnesota and joins his brother Marcus on a short term deal. #Mnwild #Leafsforever

— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) July 18, 2021

Strickland writes, “Hearing there’s a strong possibility Nick Foligno signs in Minnesota and joins his brother Marcus on a short term deal.” That the Wild have cap space now with the buyouts of Ryan Suter and Zach Parise and that the team is looking at some cost effective ways to stay in the playoff hunt, Nick Foligno becomes an attractive option and makes sense for the player too.

Foligno, now 33, is a gritty and hard-working leader who didn’t pan out with the Toronto Maple Leafs as hoped. They gave up a first-round pick to acquire him, he posted all of five assists for the team and was sidelined with an injury for much of his Toronto tenure. He’s physical, and can create offense in front of the net and even though is age is a bit of a concern, he’s mostly consistent with his production.

He’s played 13 full NHL seasons in the NHL and he’s counted on as a voice in the locker room and the community, which is something the Wild might be looking for now with the departure of two of their franchise faces. He could play in the middle-six for the Wild and likely fit right in on a two or three-year deal.

When it comes to the Wild, there’s certainly an emotional attachment for Nick as he winds down his NHL career. It might be a way to forget some of the disappointment that came with his trade to the Maple Leafs and their early first-round playoff exit.

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