Blackhawks Captain Nick Foligno Takes Leave to Support Daughter’s Heart Surgery

Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno is stepping away from the team to be with his family as his 12-year-old daughter undergoes another heart surgery related to a congenital condition, the organization announced Wednesday.

The team did not offer additional details, citing privacy for the Foligno family during what it called “a personal and difficult time.”

Foligno, who turns 38 on October 31, is in his third season with the Blackhawks. The veteran forward has recorded two assists in four games this season and has yet to score a goal.

The Blackhawks were in St. Louis on Wednesday night to face the Blues, but Foligno was not with the team.

A Leader Beyond the Ice

Head coach Jeff Blashill praised Foligno’s leadership and presence in the locker room, emphasizing how much the team values him both as a player and a person.

“He’s an outstanding leader — one of those guys who makes everyone around him better,” Blashill said. “He’s part of our leadership group and coaching fabric, really. Of course, when something like this happens, we rally together. Just like when a player gets hurt, it’s ‘next man up.’ We’ll support Nick in every way we can.”

Foligno was named the 35th captain in franchise history — and the first since Jonathan Toews — in September 2024, a move widely applauded across the league for its symbolism and timing. His appointment marked a new era for Chicago’s young roster, one built around promising talent and steady veterans.

“Nick brings integrity, empathy, and accountability,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said at the time. “He’s the kind of leader who’s been through everything in this league and still puts his family and teammates first.”

A Father First

Family has always been central to Foligno’s identity — even more so because of his daughter Milana’s health journey. Born with a congenital heart defect, Milana has undergone multiple surgeries since infancy.

Foligno and his wife, Janelle, have often spoken publicly about the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with complex medical needs, using their platform to raise awareness and support for children’s hospitals.

In a 2017 interview, Foligno described how Milana’s first open-heart surgery, performed when she was only three weeks old, “changed everything” for him as a person and a player.

“You realize how fragile life is,” he said at the time. “Hockey became secondary to being a dad. The only thing that mattered was seeing her smile again.”

Now 12, Milana celebrated her birthday on Tuesday — a milestone that Foligno marked privately with family before preparing for her latest procedure. The Folignos also have two sons: Landon and Hudson.

A Career Built on Character

Foligno’s career in the NHL has spanned nearly two decades, marked by toughness, leadership, and a reputation for his tireless work ethic.

Selected by the Ottawa Senators in the first round (28th overall) of the 2006 NHL Draft, he made his debut in the 2007–08 season. He later became synonymous with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he spent nine seasons and served as team captain from 2015 to 2021.

Across his career, Foligno has played for Ottawa, Columbus, Toronto, Boston, and now Chicago, appearing in 1,237 regular-season games with 247 goals and 352 assists to his name. Known for his grit and emotional play, he’s long been one of the league’s most respected voices both on and off the ice.

When Chicago traded for him in 2023, he quickly became a mentor to the Blackhawks’ emerging core — including young stars like Connor Bedard — and helped reshape the team’s culture amid a rebuilding phase.

“Nick’s leadership has been crucial for our younger players,” said Blashill. “He leads by example — he blocks shots, he takes hits, he sticks up for teammates. But more than that, he’s genuine. He cares.”

Hockey in the Blood

The Foligno name is a familiar one in NHL circles. Nick’s father, Mike Foligno, played 15 seasons in the league, suiting up for the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers. His trademark “Foligno Leap” — a celebratory jump after scoring goals — remains one of hockey’s most recognizable traditions.

Nick’s younger brother, Marcus Foligno, currently plays for the Minnesota Wild, continuing the family legacy of leadership, grit, and physical play.

Between them, the Foligno family has amassed more than 2,000 NHL games, an extraordinary testament to their longevity and passion for the sport.

Despite his veteran status, Nick has remained effective as a two-way forward — often playing on Chicago’s third line while mentoring younger players and anchoring the team’s emotional core.

But for now, all that matters to him is family.

Support From the Hockey Community

News of Foligno’s leave of absence quickly prompted an outpouring of support from teammates, fans, and figures across the NHL.

“Nick is the ultimate teammate — he’s always the first to reach out when someone else is struggling,” said former Columbus teammate Cam Atkinson. “Now it’s our turn to be there for him.”

Chicago captain-in-waiting Connor Murphy echoed that sentiment: “Everyone in the room respects what Nick stands for. We’ll hold things down until he’s ready to come back.”

Around the league, several teams and players sent messages of encouragement to the Foligno family. The NHL Players’ Association released a brief statement calling Foligno “a model of courage and compassion whose priorities reflect the best of what this sport represents.”

A Reminder of Perspective

While the Blackhawks continue their early-season schedule, Foligno’s absence serves as a reminder that hockey — even at its highest level — remains secondary to life’s greater challenges.

“Hockey families go through a lot behind the scenes,” Blashill said. “When something like this happens, it puts everything in perspective. We just want Nick and his family to know they have our full support.”

The Blackhawks have not indicated how long Foligno is expected to be away, saying only that he will return “when the time is right.” For now, the organization’s focus is on giving him space to care for Milana.

Legacy Beyond the Game

For nearly two decades, Nick Foligno has built a reputation not just as a captain and competitor, but as one of hockey’s genuine good guys — a player who blends toughness with empathy and embodies the sport’s best values.

Whether it’s mentoring young teammates, supporting charitable causes, or being a devoted husband and father, Foligno’s influence stretches far beyond the rink.

As one longtime NHL coach put it, “Nick Foligno is the kind of player you wish every locker room had — and the kind of father every kid deserves.”