Nick Foligno Returns to the Blackhawks After a Difficult Family Moment
The Chicago Blackhawks captain, Nick Foligno, has rejoined the team after being absent due to his daughter’s follow-up surgery, related to a congenital heart defect. Foligno reported that Milana, who turned 12 last week, is at home and in good health. She described the previous week as “very stressful”.Foligno expressed his gratitude to the doctors and staff at Boston Children’s Hospital and Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. The player, who will turn 38 on October 31, is in his third season with Chicago. He missed three games during his absence. So far this season, the forward has two assists in four matches.I think we find a lot of comfort in the support of the hockey community and the fans, of former teammates and my second family here. It’s amazing how everyone comes together to send you a lot of support, love and prayers when you’re going through a difficult time, and our family felt it.
Nick Foligno
Foligno was named the 35th captain of the Blackhawks in September 2024. His father, Mike, played in the NHL for 15 years, and his brother, Marcus, plays for Minnesota. Nick Foligno debuted in the league with the Ottawa Senators in 2007. He has accumulated 247 goals and 352 assists in 1,237 regular season games, and has also played for Columbus, Boston and Toronto. Foligno and his wife, Janelle, have two sons, Landon and Hudson. Milana is “probably the one who gives us the most strength, the way she has handled this adversity,” Foligno said. “It’s impressive for a 12-year-old girl to face it.”He’s our leader, so you want that presence in your locker room. I think he brings good energy, so I think it was great to have him back. Great that, considering the situation, everything went very well.
Jeff Blashill, coach
