Foligno Returns to Blackhawks After Supporting His Daughter, Who is Recovering

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Nick Foligno Returns to the Blackhawks After a Period of Absence for Family Reasons

The Chicago Blackhawks captain, Nick Foligno, has rejoined the team after an absence 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 condition. She described the previous week as “very stressful”.

“We find a lot of comfort in the support of the hockey community and the fans, former teammates and my second family here,” Foligno commented after practicing with the Blackhawks on Monday. “It’s incredible 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 also expressed his gratitude to the doctors and staff at Boston Children’s Hospital and Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

“We were able to see it quickly and anticipate what could have probably been much worse,” he added.

Nick Foligno
The player, who will turn 38 on October 31, is in his third season with Chicago. He missed three games during his absence: an 8-3 win against St. Louis, a 3-2 shootout loss to Vancouver, and a 2-1 overtime win against Anaheim. In the current season, the forward has recorded two assists in four matches. Coach Jeff Blashill highlighted the importance of his presence in the locker room.

“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,” Blashill said.

Jeff Blashill
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. Nick Foligno and his wife, Janelle, have two children, Landon and Hudson.

“Milana is probably the one who gives us the most strength, by the way she has faced this adversity. It’s impressive that a 12-year-old girl faces it directly,” concluded Foligno.

Nick Foligno
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