Nick Foligno ponders his future at his likely final trade deadline

Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno has almost seen it all over his 19-season NHL career. He’s been through nearly 20 trade deadline days and been on both ends of it. He’s had to say goodbye to teammates, welcomed new guys into his room, and has even been the new guy himself. This year’s trade deadline hits a little differently as he is likely playing in his final season.

Another Year of Subtractions

“I would not take any advice from anyone in here anymore,” Foligno joked today. “It’s slim pickings for guys who I’m going to ask for life advice.”

In reality, Foligno not only lost his two assistant captains in the trades of Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson, but also two good friends. This trio of veterans gladly accepted tough roles on a rebuilding team. Instead of spending the back end of their careers chasing a Stanley Cup, they put in the hard work of laying a foundation for a team that won’t reach greater heights until they have long moved on.

The Blackhawks captain said Murphy and Dickinson are tough guys to lose, as well as Colton Dach, who was one of the youngsters he’s taken under his wing. While he was sad to see them go, he’s thrilled for them because of how well they will fit on the Edmonton Oilers.

“This is the tough part of the season, when you’re not in,” he said. “These are the emotions and feelings you have when you lose some really good people. You don’t want to be in this spot too many times. That’s probably the message that’s been heard the loudest the past few days for the group. They’re getting tired of being in this spot. So, hopefully it’s a motivating factor for years to come.”

Foligno expressed a lot of the same frustration that the fanbase has, and frankly, the reporters, too. At some point, general manager Kyle Davidson has to start adding to his team rather than constantly stockpiling draft picks and prospects. Hopefully, this is the last trade deadline we have to write about subtractions instead of additions.

“Over the past few years, we were trying to sort out who wants to be here,’ Foligno said. “And now, every guy really wants to be here and make a difference. But the reality is, there are other teams that really want these players. This is what happens when you’re not put into a position during the season, then you have to make hard decisions. Guys also have to make decisions for their careers.

“The realization is that if you’re winning and in the dance, then you’re adding. The emotions are high because you’re looking to add and strengthen your group as opposed to losing some really good people that you know matter and have mattered for a long time. This is one year that is a wake-up call to a lot of guys that this has got to get turned around quickly.”

Foligno Ponders His Own Future

Davidson might not be done before tomorrow’s 2 pm CT trade deadline. Folingo himself might be heading out to a contender. When the season began, I thought there was no way the captain would be traded, but it has been discussed.

“Kyle and I have talked,” Foligno admitted. “We’re going through that process. As of right now, I’m a Chicago Blackhawk. I’m fully invested in what we’re doing. But, we’ve had that honest conversation, and we’ll see.”

Foligno is a man of integrity, so he is in a tough position. While he wants to see his captaincy through and continue to lead this young group, he also knows this is likely his last chance to get that elusive Stanley Cup. Davidson is not going to trade him just to trade him; he will send him to a team of his choosing. There has been a lot of smoke lately about a reunion with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“It’s tough,” Foligno said of his situation. “I’ve made it clear how much I care about this group. You feel weird when you have those hard conversations, but it’s the reality of where we’re sitting. There’s always a personal thing you go through, too. You still want to compete, battle, and win. So, that’s the fight that you have. I believe in this group so much. It’s been an absolute honor to be the captain here. I’m still fully committed to that until I’m told otherwise. But, there’s a competitor inside of you, too, that wants to play meaningful games.”

We’ll see how the next few hours go, but Foligno sure sounded like a guy who was happy with what he accomplished in Chicago, but might want to have his last games in the NHL mean something. It’s hard to blame him for that.