Blackhawks 2025-26 Player Grades: Nick Foligno

As the season began, Foligno’s role in Chicago was beginning to dwindle. Although he was the captain, Foligno was destined for a bottom-six role after a couple of seasons playing higher in the lineup. After seasons with 37 and 35 points, respectively, Foligno’s numbers regressed heavily due to age and injury. In just 37 games, Foligno posted 11 points with just three goals.

After an underwhelming season, Foligno was traded at the trade deadline. The trade was for future considerations, but it united Foligno with his brother, Marcus Foligno, in Minnesota.

Foligno has already signed another one-year deal in Minnesota, guaranteeing at least one more NHL season. The Wild are expected to be a competitor, so Foligno’s final season should be spent contending for the playoffs and, ultimately, a Stanley Cup.

Player Grades

Blackhawks Cowboy’s Grade: C-

In the future, after the Blackhawks win two dozen cups with Connor Bedard as captain, people will remember Nick Foligno as the guy before. And this season, he kind of was just the guy before. Many Blackhawk veterans took declines in their production, and age caught up to Foligno. In only 37 games, Chicago’s captain had just 11 points, three goals included. He provided valuable leadership and mentorship as the “dad” of the locker room, but the lack of production was glaring. Kyle Davidson did right by Fliggy, sending him to reunite with his brother Marcus in Minnesota.

Tony Marchese’s Grade: D

Nick Foligno’s time as captain of the Chicago Blackhawks came to an end when he requested to be traded to Minnesota and play some playoff hockey with his brother. The Hawks facilitated that wish, and his tenure in Chicago ended at the right time. There is no sugar coating it, his on-ice play in Chicago this season was subpar compared to his first two seasons. His role was diminished by up-and-coming forwards, and he was marred by injuries that kept him off the ice for a good portion of the season.

However, the most glaring thing in Folgino’s game this year was that the team didn’t seem to miss him when he wasn’t in the lineup. While his time as captain and mentor will always be remembered as a building block in this rebuild, an important one at that, Foligno receives a D for this year.

Ron Luce’s Grade: D+

Nick Foligno brought a lot to the table as defaCto and then the Blackhawks captain. His offensive production declined every season while in Chicago, ultimately leading to an underwhelming season in 2025-26. Back-to-back 30-point seasons turned into just 11 points in 37 games.

Foligno was dealt to the Minnesota Wild at the deadline for nothing (a player to be named), and got a chance to play with his brother in what many expected to be his final season. His tenure in Chicago was appreciated, but he didn’t bring much to the table this past season.

What’s On Tap Next?

Foligno will take the ice with Minnesota this season, and the Blackhawks continue their push forward. However, Foligno played a big role in the early stages of the Blackhawks’ rebuild.

Tell us if you agree with our grades! What would you give Nick Foligno? Let us know at @FourFeathersPod on X and Instagram!

Next Up: Colton Dach