Unrestricted free agent Nick Foligno has reportedly signed with the Boston Bruins. Terms of the deal have yet to be released. This is will be Foligno’s fourth NHL team in his 15-year career.
Sources say Nick Foligno has chosen the Boston #Bruins. No dice for #mnwild
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) July 28, 2021
Nick Foligno Signs With Bruins
Nick Foligno had a tough season split between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs. Scoring just seven goals, it was the first time since 2012-13 he failed to reach double-digits. His 20 points were also the lowest since that season. Foligno’s 14th season was also the first where his Corsi rating was below 50.
The American forward has spent the bulk of his career with the Blue Jackets. Originally drafted in the first round by the Ottawa Senators in 2006, Foligno was traded to Columbus in 2012 for Marc Methot. He scored 334 points in 599 games in his nine seasons with the Blue Jackets. He was named an All-Star in 2014-15 and won the Mark Messier Leadership Award and King Clancy Humanitarian Award. Foligno failed to find the back of the net in his short tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs who acquired him at the 2021 trade deadline.
Family or Winning?
The 33-year-old is coming off a six-year, $33 million deal signed back in 2015-16. Foligno had a few possibilities when it came to where to sign. It’s not surprising he took a pay cut for a chance to win a Stanley Cup. He could have just as easily signed with the Minnesota Wild to play with his brother, Marcus Foligno, or returned to Columbus where his family is.
Foligno offers flexibility to the Bruin’s forward corps. He can slide in virtually anywhere he’s needed upfront, whether on the wing or at the centre ice position. The veteran can also provide valuable penalty-killing abilities, winning 50% of his draws while down a man last year. That can also lead to late-game shutdown abilities should the Bruins need them. With 55 career playoff games, Foligno also offers respectable postseason experience, which will surely be driven by a desire to see his name on the Stanley Cup.
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