Blackhawks, Foligno to decide future in coming days

The Chicago Blackhawks face an interesting situation with captain Nick Foligno. The 38-year-old could be seeing his final NHL games this season.

But that doesn’t mean he couldn’t end up with a contender by the March 6 NHL trade deadline.

According to Blackhawks beat reporter Ben Pope, Foligno and Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson have discussed his future with the team. That future does not preclude moving the veteran forward at the trade deadline.

Foligno declared that there’s a decision process to be had, potentially leading to a mutually-agreed deal down the line.

The two sides could agree to remain together and potentially agree on a contract extension. Foligno is in the final year of a two-year, $9 million contract. However, injury issues have hampered the 1,200-game veteran’s performance. In 36 games this season, he’s scored three goals and 11 points.

That’s a far cry from his most productive seasons.

Still, Foligno offers intangible value to contending clubs looking for depth. Beyond depth, leadership is also another crucial point. A young team heading into the playoffs for the first time in a long time, such as the San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, or Utah Mammoth, could certainly use a veteran voice in the clubhouse.

Blackhawks captain does not have trade protection

It’s worth pointing out that Foligno does not have any trade protection. As such, the Blackhawks could trade him to any team they want without a no-trade clause getting in the way.

Of course, that’s not a decision that Davidson will take lightly. The Blackhawks will likely approach the situation with Foligno much the same way the Nashville Predators are handling their situation with Ryan O’Reilly.

Like O’Reilly, Foligno is a highly respected player. So, even without trade protection, the organization will treat a potential trade as if there were one. That situation means that the Blackhawks would first come to Foligno with a trade proposal and have him sign off on it before pulling the trigger.

At this point, it could be that Foligno chooses to ride off into the sunset with the Blackhawks. That could mean retiring at the end of this season or signing another contract. Chicago has cap space and a roster spot for the former 28th overall pick from the 2006 NHL Draft. Keeping Foligno around would help buffer Connor Bedard’s development with the team.

That said, if there was a contender, a team with a good shot at a Stanley Cup, the Blackhawks could try to do right by Foligno and give him a chance to win a Cup before his playing days are done.