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Chicago Blackhawks Captain Nick Foligno will take a short leave of absence to be with his family as his daughter undergoes heart surgery, the team announced Wednesday.
Foligno, 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 NHL veteran is expected to 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 will take a short leave of absence as his daughter undergoes follow-up surgery on 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 wife Janelle, was born with a congenital heart defect. According to NHL.comshe had her first heart operation when she was three weeks old. She has had additional procedures since, 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 wing 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 so, now I think we have other guys in the room that can help pick it up. It’s like he was injured, just the next guy up has to do the job.”
Foligno’s absence comes amid a 2-5-0 start for the Blackhawks. He has no goals and two assists, and was absent from Wednesday night’s 8-3 win over St. Louis Blues.
Chicago Blackhawks left wing Nick Foligno (17) and Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Kevin Hayes (13) battle for control of the puck during the second period at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on April 6, 2025. (Talia Sprague/Imagn Images)
