However, it never came to that. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Maple Leafs in seven games, ending Foligno’s dream of winning the Stanley Cup.
Where to go now?
That is the ultimate question. Where will Foligno decide to sign this offseason now that he’s an unreserved free agent? Given where his heart is beating and the circumstances out there, three teams jump to the top of the list. Other teams could step in and come up with a good offer. But at the end of the day, it’s reasonable to assume that it will be one of those three teams.
The Toronto Maple Leafs
While this will be tough for the Maple Leafs given their cap situation, there is one scenario where Foligno will return. It comes down to one important thing.
The thing is to win the Stanley Cup.
Of the three teams that make up this list, the Maple Leafs have the most high-end talent on their roster. Given the trajectory the Maple Leafs seem to be heading in, traveling back to the playoffs seems like a formality unless one of their stars is seriously injured.
If Foligno’s main goal is to win the Stanley Cup, he could choose to leave some money on the table. If he’s willing to sign cheaply, then staying in Toronto becomes a bigger option.
And then there is that. Just think of how heartbreaking it was for Foligno and the rest of the Maple Leafs to lose the way they did. They were 3-1 in games and overtime in game 5. If they score, they are in the second round. But they lose. Then they lose again in game 6 in overtime. Then the Canadiens finished it in Game 7.
Is there any part of Foligno that, considering the end with the Maple Leafs, wants to try again? He wasn’t healthy and it showed. Remember, when he first arrived in Toronto he admitted that it felt right in his heart to leave. Maybe he still has an unfinished business to attend to.
I would put the probability of a Maple Leafs reunion for Foligno at 10%. But if he decides it’s not about the money and he’s willing to accept a huge pay cut, I could imagine it.
The Columbus Blue jackets
Return of the captain? There is a strong possibility that this will become a reality. Remember, prior to trading the Maple Leafs, Foligno said he would be interested in returning to Columbus if the opportunity presents itself.
Now let’s take a look at the condition of the Blue Jackets. Seth Jones said he intended to test free agency. It was believed that he had the inside track to become the next team captain. But with that opportunity as good as gone, there is an opening in a very young squad that could use Foligno’s veteran and leadership presence.
Foligno would also reunite with some of his best friends on the team, including Cam Atkinson and Boone Jenner. And if Elvis Merzlikins is the one who doesn’t act, we’d get the jump hug back after the game.
It’s no secret that Foligno’s heart is in Columbus. He put everything he had into the Blue Jackets to get them where they are today. His family is still there. So there are many reasons to believe there will be a return.
But Foligno will have some big questions to answer. Firstly, would he be willing to re-sign with the Blue Jackets since they are as a team? If his goal is to win the Stanley Cup, returning now seems out of the question. Second, if he has the same interest as before, will the team offer him a fair deal? The space in the cap should not be a problem with the Blue Jackets. But what would GM Jarmo Kekalainen actually offer him?
I estimate the probability of a reunion here at 45%. It would be higher if it weren’t for the third team on this list. Given the history here, there is a strong possibility Foligno will come back. And it wouldn’t surprise anyone if they did. Even Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston recently said Steve Dangle he believes Foligno will return to the Blue Jackets. If he signs again, it would make a lot of fans happy.
The Minnesota Wilderness
If Foligno always wanted one thing, it was to play on the same team with his brother Marcus. With Marcus entering into the first year of his new deal with the Wild for $ 3.1 million, Nick has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join his brother when the price is right.
The savages have some important offseason business to do, namely new contracts for Joel Eriksson-Ek and Kirill Kaprizov. Once these are done, they can turn their attention to completing their roster.
The Wild have had a good regular season and are on the right track. Including a player like Nick Foligno in the mix would give them a defensive boost that can play almost anywhere on the ice while also bringing more leadership. He will also realize his dream of playing with his brother Marcus and going for a run together.
I estimate the probability of this at 45%, just like with the Blue Jackets. It’s not an easy decision. Joining the wild could be Nick’s only chance to play with his brother. Plus, as a team, the savages are in a better position to take a run.
Back to the team that acted for you? Back to where he was captain and leader? Or join his brother for a once in a lifetime opportunity? No matter what he chooses, Nick Foligno has some solid options to choose from. But it won’t be an easy decision.
For me it’s the Blue Jackets or Wild. Both have an equal chance of landing it. Where will Foligno’s heart take him? I’m not sure if Nick himself still knows the answer to that.
