Nick Foligno knows a little something about playing with family.
At the 2026 trade deadline, the elder Foligno was acquired by the Minnesota Wild and played 28 games alongside brother Marcus before re-upping on a one-year deal to keep him with the Wild for his 20th NHL season.
Now, Foligno is using that experience to pitch star defenceman Quinn Hughes on putting off uniting with his brothers in favour of re-signing in the State of Hockey.
Speaking with The Athletic‘s Joe Smith on Monday, Foligno said that while the opportunity to play with family is great, it’s not worth forgoing the championship window the Wild are in right now.
“That part always works itself out,” Foligno said. “You want to team up when it’s a good situation and it matters. Hopefully he understands that and realizes this is a great team right now and has a window to win and he can see that through.
“You’re still so young. You can look into your brother at any point. They’re both great players. They can decide to play (together) at any moment. Why not see it through with what you have right now?”
Hughes was acquired in December 2025 from the Canucks after expressing to Vancouver management that he did not intend to re-sign with the club once his existing deal expired.
He made an immediate impact with the Wild, scoring five goals and 53 points in 48 regular-season games with his new club, adding 15 points in 11 playoff games in Minnesota’s second-round loss to the Colorado Avalanche.
But there are still question marks around Hughes’ future. He’s slated to hit free-agency in 2027 and despite being eligible to sign an extension on July 1, he has not yet done so.
If you ask Foligno, however, there’s no stress amongst teammates.
“It seems like a no-brainer to join,” the forward said on the Wild’s talent. “I don’t think there’s an insecurity, like, ‘Oh, we need Quinn.’ It’s like, ‘Man, why would you leave here? We’re a great team.’ That’s where the confidence comes from. That’s what guys appreciate. I don’t think anyone is too concerned about what’s going to happen. I think it’s just a matter of time.
“I know he’ll have his personal things, but he knows at the end of the day how great this team is and how much he loves this group. I don’t think any guy is really concerned about it.”