Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno steps away for family matter

Field Level Media|published: 10/15/2025, 1:47pm EDT

Apr 8, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Nick Foligno (17) at the face-off circle against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno is taking a leave of absence for a family matter, the team announced Wednesday.

The Chicago forward's daughter, Milana, is having follow-up surgery related to her congenital heart disease.

"Nick, nor the Blackhawks, will have any further comment at this time," the team said.

Milana, who turned 12 on Tuesday, is the oldest of Nick and Janelle Foligno's three children. Milana had her first surgery when she was just three weeks old.

Foligno, 37, has contributed two assists through four games this season, his third campaign with the Blackhawks.

He has 599 points (247 goals, 352 assists) in 1,237 career games with five teams since the Ottawa Senators drafted him in the first round in 2006.

--Field Level Media