Nick Foligno sounds off regarding his unfortunate stint with the Maple Leafs
Chicago Blackhawks forward Nick Foligno has finally opened up about his short stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
When the Toronto Maple Leafs traded for veteran forward Nick Foligno, it was seen as a meaningful homecoming, with Foligno following in his father's footsteps by playing for the team his dad once represented. The trade was met with significant anticipation, but unfortunately, injury struck, derailing what many hoped would be a key addition to the team.
Foligno joined the Leafs during the NHL's North Division season, a unique arrangement created in response to COVID-19 restrictions. This season presented challenges, including difficulties in conducting thorough medical evaluations before players arrived.
Upon his arrival in Toronto, it became apparent that Foligno was not fully healthy. Recently, on the "Dropping the Gloves" podcast, Foligno discussed the details of what went wrong during his time with the Leafs. He recalled playing well initially, but things took a turn during a road trip. After a long flight back from Vancouver to Montreal, he woke up with severe back tightness. During a game, while trying to stop in front of the net, his back completely locked up, leaving him immobilized on the ice. Former teammate Josh Anderson had to help him off the ice, marking the beginning of his struggles in Toronto.
I'm like, "I can't move" like so he was like trying to help me off the ice and he's he was like "dude, what just happened?"
This injury severely impacted Foligno's performance, leaving him in and out of the lineup and unable to find his rhythm. Despite his reputation for toughness, he even missed some playoff games, trying to play through the pain. Unfortunately, the season ended in disappointment for the Leafs, who were eliminated in the first round by the Montreal Canadiens.
On the podcast, Foligno expressed his frustration and disappointment, not only with the injury but also with how it prevented him from contributing to the team's success. He believed he could have made a significant impact both on and off the ice, helping the Leafs overcome their playoff struggles. However, the injury left him feeling like a "shell" of himself, unable to fulfill the role he envisioned.
«I couldn't help galvanize the team; I couldn't do what I wanted to do on and off the ice. I'm sure the Toronto fans are just as disappointed with how it all shook out. But I guarantee you, I'm more disappointed, and it's just something you're going to have to live with.»
Ultimately, Foligno did not return to the Maple Leafs, instead signing with the Boston Bruins. Despite this, he remains deeply disappointed with how his time in Toronto played out, feeling that he let down the fans and left with unfinished business.
| POLL | ||
14 AOUT | 131 ANSWERS Nick Foligno sounds off regarding his unfortunate stint with the Maple Leafs Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs would have beat the Montreal Canadiens if Nick Foligno was healthy? | ||
| Yes | 46 | 35.1 % |
| No | 85 | 64.9 % |
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