Minnesota Wild’s Marcus Foligno Navigates Challenging Season Amid Injury Struggles

SAINT PAUL, January 19, 2026 – Marcus Foligno, the veteran alternate captain of the Minnesota Wild, finds himself in a familiar role as a defensive stalwart and physical presence, yet the 2025-26 campaign has presented unique challenges for the 34-year-old winger. Known league-wide as “Moose” for his punishing style of play, Foligno’s season has been interrupted by injury and marked by a significant offensive drought, testing the value of the four-year contract extension he signed in 2023.

Career Profile and Playing Style

Marcus Foligno, born in Buffalo, New York to Canadian parents, is a dual citizen who has represented Canada internationally. The son of former NHLer Mike Foligno and younger brother of Chicago Blackhawks forward Nick Foligno, he carries on a family legacy of gritty, two-way hockey. Drafted 104th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2009, Foligno spent his first six NHL seasons in Buffalo before being traded to the Minnesota Wild in June 2017.

His game is defined by heavy hitting, defensive responsibility, and penalty-killing prowess. While he enjoyed a career offensive year in 2021-22, posting 23 goals and 42 points, his primary value to the Wild has been as a shutdown forward and locker-room leader. He signed a four-year, $16 million ($4 million annual average value) extension with Minnesota in September 2023, a deal that runs through the 2027-28 season.

The 2025-26 Season: A Tale of Adversity

The current season has been a difficult one for Foligno. Through 31 games, he has managed just three goals and seven points, alongside a minus-12 rating. His average ice time has dipped to 13:03 per game, his lowest in seven years, as he has settled into a bottom-six role. The offensive struggles have been pronounced, with a shooting percentage of just 3.3%.

Injury has also been a major factor. Foligno suffered a lower-body injury against the Chicago Blackhawks on November 26, 2025, which led to his placement on injured reserve. He missed nine consecutive games before being activated and returning to the lineup on December 16 against the Washington Capitals. Earlier in the season, he also missed a game in October due to an upper-body issue.

Despite the scoring woes, Foligno’s physical game remains intact. He continues to be a primary penalty-killer for the Wild and is on pace for another season with well over 100 hits, having already registered 124 through 31 contests.

Key Career Statistics and Contract Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marcus Foligno’s nickname and why?

Foligno is universally nicknamed “Moose,” a moniker that perfectly encapsulates his large frame (6’3″, 227 lbs) and his straight-ahead, physically imposing style of play on the ice.

How has his role changed in the 2025-26 season?

Foligno’s role has diminished slightly this season. His average ice time is down over a minute from his career average, and he is being deployed almost exclusively in a bottom-six, defensive-forward and penalty-killing capacity. His offensive opportunities have been limited.

What was the nature of his recent injury?

In late November 2025, Foligno suffered a lower-body injury during a game against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Wild placed him on injured reserve, and he was deemed “week-to-week.” He ultimately missed nine games before returning to action in mid-December.

Does his contract include trade protection?

Yes. Foligno’s contract carries a no-movement clause that is scheduled to downgrade to a 15-team no-trade list beginning July 1, 2026.