After two seasons with the club, Foligno was selected in the fourth round, 104th overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

[13] As a restricted free agent, on June 30, 2017, Foligno was traded (along with Tyler Ennis and a third-round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft) to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Marco Scandella, Jason Pominville and a fourth-round pick in 2018.

[15] Foligno was hospitalized on October 12, 2017, after taking a punch to the face from Chicago Blackhawks forward John Hayden during a fight in Minnesota's 5–2 win.

According to The Athletic's Michael Russo, he may have suffered a "broken facial bone" as a result of the hit.

Making a positive impression, he was later selected to Canada's roster for the tournament, held in his birthplace of Buffalo, New York.

He completed the tournament with two goals and four points in seven games as Canada claimed the silver medal.

[19][20] Although Marcus was born in the United States, both of his parents are Canadian, making him a dual citizen; Foligno played for Canada in the 2011 World Junior Championship.