Foligno receives warm welcome from Blackhawks fans after trade

Minnesota Wild forward Nick Foligno was cheered by Chicago fans in his return to the United Center.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 5:57am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Minnesota Wild forward Nick Foligno received a standing ovation from Chicago Blackhawks fans during his return to the United Center in the Wild vs Blackhawks matchup on Tuesday. The tribute came just weeks after Foligno was traded to Minnesota at the NHL Trade Deadline on March 6.

Why it matters

Foligno's warm reception from Blackhawks fans highlights the respect and appreciation he earned during his time in Chicago, despite being traded to a rival team. This type of gesture is uncommon in professional sports and speaks to Foligno's character and impact on the community.

The details

In an emotional moment, Foligno was cheered by the United Center crowd when he took the ice against his former team. The tribute came just weeks after Foligno was traded from the Blackhawks to the Minnesota Wild at the NHL Trade Deadline on March 6.

  • Foligno was traded to the Minnesota Wild on March 6, 2026.
  • Foligno returned to the United Center to play the Blackhawks on March 18, 2026.

The players

Nick Foligno

A forward for the Minnesota Wild who was previously with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Lots of emotions. I'm so thankful for my time here (Chicago) and what it's meant to me and my family and the people we have come to know on and off the ice,”

— Nick Foligno (The News International)

The takeaway

Foligno's warm reception from Blackhawks fans, despite being traded to a rival team, demonstrates the positive impact he had on the Chicago community and the respect he earned during his time with the organization.