Sep 28, 2025; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Blackhawks forward Nick Foligno (17) follows the play against the Minnesota Wild during the third period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

Chicago Blackhawks captain calls out NHL for having games during the trade deadline

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Vincent Pensabene | Last updated Mar 5, 2026 8:44 PM ET

The NHL schedule has been weird this year due to the Winter Olympics, but one Chicago Blackhawks player thinks there needs to be a permanent change. With the NHL Trade Deadline looming on Friday afternoon, there are a handful of teams that will be preparing to play later in the night to continue their season. However, it will come just hours after learning if they will remain with their respective team or be traded away. Let’s take a look at what the Blackhawks’ captain said regarding playing on Friday.

Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno is not a fan of playing during the trade deadline

During his media availability, Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno would comment on how he is not a fan of the NHL schedule having games on the day of the trade deadline:

“I always thought that was stupid, personally. I just think it’s such a distraction for everybody. Regardless of if you’re on the block or not, I just think it’s a weird day. And I don’t know why the league hasn’t decided just to make it a practice day for everybody. … It’s a weird day. It’s part of being a pro, but I don’t know why it has to be a game on that day. Just make it a certain day every year and go with it.”

Chicago is at home on Friday night to face the Vancouver Canucks, six hours following the 2025-26 NHL Trade Deadline. They are one of seven games on the slate, but it makes sense for players not to be too keen about the schedule, due to some of them being moved right before the official deadline hits.

Foligno is one of the players on the Blackhawks who could be moved to a contender before the deadline officially hits. The veteran left winger has been with the team since the 2023-24 season, and the 38-year-old has been contemplating his future while also being on an expriring deal. It will be interesting to see if the Blackhawks are done making trades this season or if Foligno could be another player dealt.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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