Analysis: Blackhawks trade captain Nick Foligno to Minnesota

On trade deadline day, the Chicago Blackhawks traded captain Nick Foligno to the Minnesota Wild. The Blackhawks received future considerations. No salary was retained.

Analysis

Doing right by your players. A concept some fans may not think about, but it is very important to consider. Sometimes lost in the grand scheme, but these are human beings doing a job. Fans may see assets or tools meant to bring a championship to their favorite team. The reality for these players is complicated, and difficult to maintain.

Kyle Davidson, in another player-friendly move, did right by his captain. In trading Foligno to the Wild, he gives the 38-year-old forward two opportunities. First, Foligno gets the chance to chase a Stanley Cup in his twilight. Second, Foligno gets the chance to play with his brother, Marcus Foligno.

“It feels like my mom is looking down on us and smiling today,” Foligno said on TSN following the trade.

It is not as though Foligno sprinted out of Chicago with a smile on his face. When speaking about leaving the Blackhawks, Foligno said, “I feel like I was saying goodbye to my kids.”

The trade has already affected those in the locker room. When asked about the trade, Connor Bedard said, “[Foligno] was someone that meant a lot to the group and I grew super close with. It’s sad when you lose guys and it motivates you to not be in this spot.”

Blackhawks deadline dealings

The Blackhawks made four trades this week, moving out veterans for draft capital and players under contract next season. Here is how things shaped out:

In:

• Andrew Mangiapane
• Derrick Pouliot
• 2027 first-round pick (Edmonton) (Top-12 protected)
• 2028 second-round pick (Edmonton)

Out:

• Nick Foligno
• Connor Murphy
• Jason Dickinson
• Colton Dach
• Aidan Thompson

The Blackhawks chose to retain a few expiring contracts. Notably, the Blackhawks did not trade forward Ilya Mikheyev. After reports emerged that an extension was not reached with Mikheyev, rumors swirled that Chicago would be looking to move him. Davidson addressed not trading Mikheyev in a press conference on Friday.

“I want to keep [Mikheyev] around,” Davidson said. “I really like what he brings to the team. If someone was going to approach us, they had to make it worth our while, and that certainly didn’t happen. And frankly, I’m glad I didn’t have to make a tough decision there.”

Final thoughts

With the Foligno trade, along with the Blackhawks’ other trades, Chicago achieved multiple important goals. First, they did right by their veteran players. Foligno, Murphy and Dickinson were all veteran leaders on this roster. Giving them a chance to compete for a Cup while going through the deadline was key for Davidson.

Second, the Blackhawks got incredible value for expiring contracts. A first- and second-round pick for Murphy, Dickinson and Dach was jaw-dropping. Taking advantage of the Edmonton Oilers’ desperation was to Chicago’s gain.

Last, and possibly most important, the Blackhawks opened the NHL roster wide open for their prospects. Leaving no room for debate as to who they hope to fill those spots, clearing out the roster emphasizes that goal.

Davidson strikes again. Now, it is time for the talented youth to bring this team to light.