Chicago Blackhawks Forward Uncertain About Future as Trade Deadline Looms

Nick Foligno weighs staying with rebuilding Blackhawks or pursuing Stanley Cup elsewhere

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Chicago Blackhawks forward Nick Foligno is facing an uncertain future with the team as the NHL trade deadline approaches. Foligno, who is on an expiring contract with a $4.5 million cap hit, said he wants to have a conversation with Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson soon to discuss his options. Foligno is torn between wanting to stay and help the Blackhawks rebuild under new coach Jeff Blashill, and pursuing a chance to win a Stanley Cup with a contending team.

Why it matters

Foligno's situation highlights the difficult decisions facing veteran players on struggling teams as the trade deadline approaches. The Blackhawks are 10 points out of a playoff spot, leaving Foligno to weigh his desire to stay loyal to the team against his last chance to win a championship. How Foligno and the Blackhawks handle this situation could have implications for the team's future direction.

The details

Foligno said he feels good on the ice and likes the coaching staff under Jeff Blashill, but acknowledged the Blackhawks' 22-26-9 record makes his future uncertain. He said he'll have to wait and see what happens, but admitted the lure of chasing a Stanley Cup is still strong. Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson has a reputation for doing right by veteran players, so if Foligno asks for a trade to a contender, the team is expected to listen.

  • The NHL trade deadline is on Friday, March 6, 2026.
  • The Blackhawks have 25 games left in the regular season.

The players

Nick Foligno

A veteran forward for the Chicago Blackhawks who is in the final year of his contract with a $4.5 million cap hit.

Kyle Davidson

The general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks, known for doing right by veteran players.

Jeff Blashill

The head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks, who Foligno said he likes and appreciates the direction the team is heading under.

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What they’re saying

“I'd like to have a conversation soon just to see what he's thinking. Do I know? Not really. Do I still feel great out there? Yeah. Do I still want to play?”

— Nick Foligno (hawksinsider.com)

“I'll say this, seeing where this team's at, I really like Blash (Jeff Blashill) and the coaching staff. I really like the direction we're heading. Would it be fun to be part of it? Yeah. But I'm also understanding of this business and how it works. So it is what it is. I'll make that decision when the time's right. I can't really force that either. It's just one of those things where you kind of have to wait and see.”

— Nick Foligno (hawksinsider.com)

“There's a huge part of me that wants that. That's the ultimate goal, and when you're all done, it's just you want to know that you gave yourself every chance to win a Stanley Cup. So, yeah, there's that, for sure, in the back of my mind. Do I want it to be with this group? Yeah, you know, badly, and that's why I said I'll assess that when the time comes.”

— Nick Foligno (hawksinsider.com)

What’s next

The Blackhawks have a tough road trip coming up, with games at Nashville, Colorado, Utah, and Winnipeg. How the team performs in those games could determine whether Foligno stays or is traded before the March 6 deadline.

The takeaway

Foligno's uncertain future with the Blackhawks highlights the difficult decisions facing veteran players on struggling teams as the trade deadline approaches. His situation will be closely watched, as his choice to stay or pursue a Stanley Cup elsewhere could have significant implications for the Blackhawks' rebuild.