Rumor: Nick Foligno to be Traded to the Minnesota Wild

Nick Foligno of the Columbus Blue Jackets is expected to be traded before Monday's trade deadline and according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Minnesota Wild are emerging as a serious contender.

There's been a ton of interest in the Blue Jackets captain as teams heading to the playoffs would love to add his toughness and versatility. So far in 42 games this season, the 33-year-old has managed 16 points.

Foligno holds a modified no-trade clause where he submits a 10-team list of teams he's not interested in. From all accounts the Wild would be a team he'd be open to moving to as his brother Marcus is on the team. This certainly would make for an easy transition and could develop into quite the story if the Wild go on a deep playoff run.

Other teams involved in trade talks for the long-time Blue Jacket include the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Colorado Avalanche and the Montreal Canadiens. Expect to see Foligno moved to another team before the trade deadline and you can also expect to see him circle back and re-sign in Columbus in the off season. Time will tell if he'll be wearing a new Stanley Cup ring.