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Chicago Blackhawks Captain Nick Foligno will take a brief leave of absence to be with his family while his daughter undergoes heart surgery, the team announced Wednesday.
Foligno, who is in his third season with the Original Six franchise, will be with his 12-year-old daughter, Milana, as she undergoes “follow-up surgery.” It was not immediately clear when the NHL the veteran should return.
Chicago Blackhawks forward Nick Foligno (17) watches the game against the Minnesota Wild during the third period at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota on September 28, 2025. (Nick Wosika/Imagn Images)
“Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno is taking a brief leave of absence as his daughter undergoes follow-up surgery related to her. congenital heart disease. Nick, nor the Blackhawks, will have further comment at this time,” the team’s statement read.
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Milana, the eldest of Foligno’s three children with his wife Janelle, was born with a congenital heart defect. According to NHL.comshe had her first heart operation at 3 weeks old. She has since undergone additional procedures, including a valve replacement in 2018.
“He brings a lot to the table. He’s a great, elite leader. He’s an extension of the coaching staff,” coach Jeff Blashill said of Foligno.
Chicago Blackhawks left winger Nick Foligno (17) warms up before a game against the Seattle Kraken at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on March 18, 2025. (Talia Sprague/Imagn Images)
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“And now I think we have other guys in the room that can help get him. It’s like if he gets hurt, the next guy has to do the job.”
Foligno’s absence comes amid a 2-5-0 start for the Blackhawks. He scored no goals and had two assists and was absent in Wednesday night’s 8-3 win over the St. Louis Blues.
Chicago Blackhawks left winger Nick Foligno (17) and Pittsburgh Penguins right winger Kevin Hayes (13) fight for control of the puck during the second period at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on April 6, 2025. (Talia Sprague/Imagn Images)
