Foligno was one of my top preferred acquisition targets so it's a great pick-up. He's averaged over 18min/game in CBJ for years, so this bolsters the top six and i'd imagine he starts with Matthews. He will handle this team's speed just fine and has a rocket of a wrister. His game is not predicated on speed. His numbers were likely suppressed in Torts' defensive system with poor playmaking C's.
Do not underestimate his intangibles. It's a term that gets laughed at around here, but Foligno's a very vocal leader, something this bench has lacked until this year (even Keefe has said this). He demands accountability. Will be a disciplined bodyguard for Matthews/Marner when things escalate in a long series. A LW power forward for the top 9 has been one of the biggest team needs for years.
However, this price is steep and as I said pre-trade, moving a 1st for a 33 year old rental is disappointing. I've been wrong on Dubas' trades before (e.g. Galchenyuk), but for a player that has to quarantine, you get dozen regular season games + playoffs in a buyers market at an inflated price. If you win a couple rounds it's justified, but Foligno has talked about re-signing with CBJ in the off-season and will price himself out anyway. Pure rental. Luke warm on this deal but it's necessary given TOR's contender status.
