SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Wild have made a significant addition to their roster, acquiring forward Nick Foligno from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for future considerations, as announced by Bill Guerin, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager.
At 38 years old, Foligno brings a wealth of experience to the Wild, having recorded 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists), 27 penalty minutes, and 30 shots on goal in 37 games for Chicago this season. Standing at 6-foot-0 and weighing 210 pounds, the Buffalo, N.Y. native has enjoyed a lengthy NHL career spanning 19 seasons. Throughout this time, he has amassed 608 points (250 goals, 358 assists), 1,007 penalty minutes, 60 power-play goals, and 33 game-winning goals across 1,270 games. His career includes stints with notable teams such as the Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, and the Blackhawks.
Foligno has distinguished himself as a physical player, ranking fifth in hits (2,844) and eighth in penalty minutes among all active NHL players. He has also demonstrated his playoff prowess, contributing 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists) in 68 Stanley Cup Playoff games across 11 seasons. Notably, he served as captain for the Blue Jackets for six seasons from 2015 to 2021, achieving career-highs in goals (31), assists (42), and points (73) during the 2014-15 season.
Beyond his contributions at the club level, Foligno has represented Team USA in the IIHF World Championships three times: in 2009, 2010, and 2026, serving as alternate captain in the 2010 and 2016 tournaments. His leadership qualities were recognized when he received the King Clancy Memorial Trophy and the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in 2017. A first-round pick (28th overall) by Ottawa in the 2006 NHL Draft, Foligno also has a family connection to the Wild, as he is the older brother of current Wild forward Marcus Foligno. He will don the number 71 jersey with Minnesota.
The Wild’s next game is against the Vegas Golden Knights tonight at 9 p.m. CT, available on FanDuel Sports Network and KFAN FM 100.3. This acquisition of Foligno is expected to bolster the team’s leadership and on-ice performance as they continue their pursuit of success this season.