The Chicago Blackhawks have traded captain Nick Foligno to the Minnesota Wild marking the end of an era and potentially ushering in a new chapter for franchise cornerstone Connor Bedard.
ESPN’s Emily Kaplan broke the news on Friday on X:
“The Wild are trading for Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno, where he can play with his brother Marcus per sources. This is Chicago doing their captain a solid to chase a Cup. No retention (Blackhawks don’t have retention spots left)”
The move reunites Nick with his brother Marcus Foligno in Minnesota. The trade sends Foligno to the Minnesota Wild for future considerations with Minnesota absorbing his full $4.5 million cap hit as Chicago had no remaining salary retention slots available.
Following are some fan reactions from X:
“Captain Bedard loading…..”
“The Bedard era is officially here,” commented one fan.
“Oh my goodness, in a matter of days Bedard could be on the fasttrack to captain,” wrote another user.
While some fans focused on Chicago’s future, others applauded both organizations for handling the situation with class. Some praised Kyle Davidson for giving the veteran winger a chance to compete for a Stanley Cup with a playoff-contending team.
“Big props to GM’s Kyle Davidson & Bill Guerin to do this deal for a highly respected veteran playing out what is arguably his last season. This goes a long way in both locker rooms 👏👏,” wrote one user.
“Davidson confirming he will take care of his players,” commented another fan.
“Brothers reuniting to chase a Cup – love to see it,” read one comment.
Nick Foligno has recorded 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 37 games for Chicago this season after missing 22 games due to a hand injury. He is in the final year of his contract and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Nick Foligno criticized the NHL holding games on trade deadline
In what may have been one of his final media availabilities as a Blackhawk, Nick Foligno also criticized the league for scheduling games on trade deadline day.
The Blackhawks were scheduled to face the Vancouver Canucks on Friday night, just six hours after the trade deadline.
“I always thought that was stupid, personally. I just think it’s such a distraction for everybody. Regardless of if you’re on the block or not, I just think it’s a weird day. And I don’t know why the league hasn’t decided just to make it a practice day for everybody. … It’s a weird day. It’s part of being a pro, but I don’t know why it has to be a game on that day. Just make it a certain day every year and go with it,” he said.
Foligno had served as Chicago’s captain since the start of the 2023-24 season leading the team through its rebuild. For Minnesota, adding a veteran leader like Foligno provides depth and playoff experience as they push for a deep postseason run.
As for the Blackhawks, all eyes now turn to whether Connor Bedard will don the “C” next potentially becoming one of the youngest captains in NHL history.
Edited by Anjum Rajonno
