Nick Foligno linked to Blue Jackets, Wild as trade-deadline swirl builds
nick foligno has become a focal point in trade chatter ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline, with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild identified as teams that have contacted the Chicago Blackhawks and one prediction that Columbus could swing a return for its former captain.
Blue Jackets push into playoff picture as trade talk heats up
The Blue Jackets have climbed into contention and sit three points behind the Boston Bruins for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot, a stretch that has prompted speculation they may add veteran help before the 2026 trade deadline. Aaron Portzline predicted a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks to bring back the player who captained Columbus, noting the 38-year-old would deliver leadership even if he were a bottom-six or 13th forward.
Nick Foligno’s numbers and potential role
Foligno’s on-ice production this season with Chicago includes three goals, eight assists and 11 points in 37 games, along with 87 hits and a plus-2 rating, and he had 15 goals and 35 points in 78 games the previous season. Over a nine-year stretch in Columbus he scored 142 goals and 334 points in 599 games while averaging 17: 47 of ice time, a track record that frames him as a versatile veteran who can play multiple forward positions and plug into a bottom-six role if acquired.
Wild contact, family connection and cap constraints
Emily Kaplan noted that both Columbus and Minnesota have reached out to Chicago about Foligno, and Minnesota carries the added storyline that Marcus Foligno has played there for nine seasons; the brothers would have the chance to skate together if Minnesota could make the move. However, retention of Foligno’s $4. 5 million cap hit is constrained by the Blackhawks’ existing use of retention slots, a factor flagged as complicating any straightforward acquisition for the Wild.
Chicago’s captain has navigated nearly 20 trade-deadline days over a 19-season NHL career and is widely viewed as likely playing his final season, remarks that have shaped how teams and observers frame possible trades this week. Foligno has said the end-of-season roster churn is emotional for players who have lost trusted teammates, and his veteran presence is part of why teams see value in adding him late in the season.
If a deal happens, the immediate consequence for Columbus would be adding a veteran leader who can slot into the bottom six and add physicality; for Minnesota the move could create a sibling pairing with Marcus Foligno but would require solving retention or cap issues. Aaron Portzline’s prediction of a Columbus return and the reported contacts by Minnesota keep Foligno’s name central as clubs finalize rosters ahead of the deadline.
The next confirmed event on the calendar is the 2026 NHL trade deadline later this week, when teams will have to make final decisions and any completed trades will clarify whether Foligno heads back to Columbus, joins his brother in Minnesota, or finishes the season in Chicago.
