Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno takes leave of absence to be with daughter during heart surgery procedure

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Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno will take a brief 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 a "follow-up surgery." It was not immediately clear when the NHL veteran is expected to return.  

 Chicago Blackhawks forward Nick Foligno (17) follows the play against the Minnesota Wild during the third period at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on Sept. 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 any further comment at this time," the team’s statement read. 

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Milana, the oldest of Foligno’s three children with wife Janelle, was born with a congenital heart defect. According to NHL.com, she had her first heart surgery at 3 weeks old. She’s 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 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