CHICAGO — Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno is stepping away from the team to be with his family as his daughter, Milana, undergoes follow-up surgery related to a congenital heart condition.
The Blackhawks announced wednesday that Foligno has taken a brief leave of absence. the team and Foligno have declined further comment.
Milana Foligno, who turned 12 on Tuesday, was born with a heart defect and underwent her first surgery at three weeks old to receive an expandable stent. She has as had additional procedures, including a valve replacement after being diagnosed with endocarditis in November 2018.
Foligno’s wife, Janelle, authored the children’s book “dear Heart: A letter to my special heart” in 2020, detailing the family’s experiences navigating Milana’s health challenges.
The Blackhawks acquired Foligno, along with Taylor Hall, from the Boston Bruins on June 26, 2023, in exchange for Ian Mitchell and Alec Regula. He was named captain on September 18, 2024.
A veteran of 1,237 NHL games with Ottawa, Columbus, Toronto, Boston, and Chicago, Foligno has recorded 599 points (247 goals, 352 assists) over his career. He is in the final year of a two-year, $9 million contract.
Through four games this season, Foligno has two assists.
“He brings a lot to the table,” Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill said. “He’s a great, elite leader.He’s an extension of the coaching staff. We have other guys in the room who can definitely help pick it up. As if he was injured, the next man up has to do a job and the next man up also means the next leadership man up. Certainly,with Murph (connor Murphy) and Dickey (Jason Dickinson),we’ll be in good hands.”
