As the NHL trade deadline approached, the Minnesota Wild made another move to strengthen their roster for a potential playoff run. Sitting third in the Central Division, Minnesota has been active in the market, looking for the right pieces to bolster its lineup.
While there had been speculation about a deal involving Vincent Trocheck from the New York Rangers, the Wild ultimately turned their attention elsewhere.
Minnesota Wild Turns to the Chicago Blackhawks Captain
In a move that quickly caught attention around the league, Minnesota acquired veteran forward Nick Foligno from the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday. The deal sends the Blackhawks captain to Minnesota in exchange for future considerations.
The trade also sets up a special family reunion, as Nick will now play alongside his brother, Marcus Foligno, with the Wild.
NHL insider Emily Kaplan shared the news on X, writing, “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).”
Nick, 38, has recorded three goals and 11 points in 37 games this season with Chicago. The veteran winger is in the final season of a two-year contract worth $9 million. Earlier in the campaign, he missed 22 games due to a hand injury but has since returned to the lineup.
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)
— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) March 6, 2026
Before the Foligno trade, Minnesota had been linked to Rangers center Trocheck as a possible target to strengthen its forward group.
However, according to Michael Russo of The Athletic, the Wild’s chances of landing Trocheck had begun to fade. The asking price from New York was reportedly too steep for Minnesota.
Russo explained, “The price for the New York Rangers center appears to be too rich at this point. It may just be that they don’t have the assets to get it done for a 32-year-old multi-faceted player with three years left on a reasonable $5.625 million average-annual-value contract.”
With negotiations stalling, Minnesota shifted its focus and brought in a veteran presence instead. The Foligno move is just the latest in a series of transactions by the Wild in recent days.
Earlier on Friday, Minnesota acquired forward Bobby Brink from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for defenseman David Jiříček. Minnesota also made several smaller moves this week to add depth.
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The team acquired defenseman Roman Schmidt from Philadelphia in exchange for Boris Katchouk, brought in forward Michael McCarron from the Nashville Predators for a second-round pick, and later added veteran blueliner Jeff Petry from the Florida Panthers for a conditional seventh-rounder.
Back in December, the Wild had already made a major splash, acquiring star defenseman Quinn Hughes. A move that could end up being one of the biggest deals of the year.
With the playoffs approaching, the Wild are pushing to strengthen their roster, and Nick Foligno’s leadership could help in a deep postseason run.
