It has been a tough season so far for the Blue Jackets as they find themselves on the outside looking in at the playoffs in the Central Division as they sit four points behind Chicago for the fourth and final position. Accordingly, teams are starting to call to gauge interest in their willingness to sell. As Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic notes in the latest TSN Insider Trading segment (video link), Columbus has received several calls on winger Nick Foligno including from the Islanders and Maple Leafs.
The 33-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent and provides some grit and two-way play in the middle-six which is something that many teams would understandably covet. Foligno is producing at a bit of a slower pace than he has in recent years but still has five goals and seven assists in 30 games so far this season while averaging more than 18 minutes per game. Teams likely also have fresh memories from his performance in the bubble that saw him pick up six points in ten games while helping the Blue Jackets get past Toronto in the Qualifying Round.
From a financial perspective, New York makes sense with Anders Lee’s season-ending knee injury. The Isles now have plenty of extra LTIR space at their disposal and they would be able to absorb Foligno’s $5.5MM price tag without any issues. It’s a bit trickier for Toronto, however. The Maple Leafs won’t have anyone on LTIR once Wayne Simmonds is activated sooner than later, nor do they have anywhere near enough cap room to take Foligno on at even half of that price tag. Accordingly, they’d be in a position where they would need to take a regular off their roster to facilitate a move.
Of course, if the Blue Jackets have their way, they may not be moving their captain at all. Four points is hardly insurmountable especially with every game being played inside the division. With 26 games left heading into play tonight, that gap can be made up which is why any sort of move regarding Foligno will come closer to the April 12th trade deadline. But if Columbus falls out of the race between now and then, he’s someone that should draw plenty of interest around the league beyond the Isles and Maple Leafs.
um Leafs, with what cap space?
read the article.
It’s been years of the same comments. “Can’t sign Tavares and keep Matthews, Marner and Nylander.” Then it happened. “Can’t re-sign Muzzin, no cap room.” Then it happened. “Can’t sign a top-4 D in free agency, no cap room!” And then Brodie happened. Getting a rental like Foligno is definitely possible if CBJ retains salary and a player like Engvall or Kerfoot go the other way.
Penguins need a center and some physicality. Zucker is on LTIR and may not be ready until the playoffs. Might be a fit.
No. Not giving up anything for this season. No picks no prospects. Won’t win cup with this roster with or without Foligno
Foligno & JK for Andersen,Lilligren and a 2nd.
CBJ retaining half of the salaries.
Dave, please tell us why Columbus would even think of a deal like this??
Andersen can walk after season, LIlligren gassy proved he can even play in this league, his stock is dropping fast. And a high 2nd pick, plus retain money, and they give up a very good young goalie, plus Foligno. (Who I agree isn’t worth a lot coming back)
Your giving up
A top goalie for a 2nd and a 5-6 dman at best.
No way clb would even think of that.
Oh I see you a leaf fan!! That explains it
lol. I’m a leaf fan but yes, that deal is insanely lopsided. plus, and as important. there’s no finnish player going to Columbus. likely going to have to add Hirvonen
might be the most insane trade proposal ive seen in a long time. talk about delusional.
Going to have to assume you’re the guy in fantasy leagues who sends 5 fringe players for one all star and is “I’m GivINg yOu fIVe pLAyerS, I’m RIpPinG mYseLf oFf”
I’m a Leafs fan too and no way that is happening. I don’t see them doing anything big. As stated above they have almost zero cap space. Someone big would have to leave. If they want to go big for any trade it’s an off season deal when they have the time to deal with the cap
Could try and send nylander back. That would open up cap room. Going to have to deal him at some point.