Ex-Leaf Nick Foligno reveals shocking turn of events that led to infamous injury

In April 2021, the Toronto Maple Leafs and then GM Kyle Dubas acquired Nick Foligno from the Columbus Blue Jackets, using the San Jose Sharks as a broker for salary retention purposes in the hopes that he would bring some additional grit and playoff experience to their lineup.

Unfortunately, once Foligno arrived, it was evident that he was not 100 percent and played in just seven regular season games for the Leafs. He also missed three of the Leafs' seven games against the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the playoffs. It was a trade that many Leafs Nation despised Dubas for, and on a recent episode of Dropping the Gloves, Foligno opened up about his injury and the surprising way it developed and worsened.

The injury occurred on the Leafs' flight from Winnipeg to Montreal where Foligno got what some call an 'old age' injury. Unfortunately, it lingered and hindered his ability to be around the team off the ice and help them on it.

Had Foligno been healthier, his impact would have been greater and the trade would not have been met with so much animosity from Leafs fans. Unfortunately, as Foligno said, "that's sports" and it's a disappointment that he has to live with.

Source: Hockey DB
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