Foligno Returns to Blackhawks: Captain Returns After Caring for His Daughter

Nick Foligno Returns to the Blackhawks After a Period of Absence

The Chicago Blackhawks captain, Nick Foligno, has returned to the team after taking time off 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”.

“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,” Foligno commented after practicing with the Blackhawks on Monday. “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 also expressed his gratitude to the doctors and staff at Boston Children’s Hospital and Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. “We were able to take her quickly and get ahead of what probably could have been much worse,” he stated. 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 victory in St. Louis, a 3-2 shootout loss against Vancouver, and a 2-1 overtime victory against Anaheim. In four games this season, the forward has not scored any goals and has registered two assists.

“He’s our leader, so you want that presence in your locker room. I think he brings good energy, so I thought it was great to have him back. Great that, considering the situation, everything went really well,” said coach Jeff Blashill.

Jeff Blashill

Foligno became 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 a total of 247 goals and 352 assists in 1,237 regular season games, having also played for Columbus, Boston and Toronto. Foligno also has two sons, Landon and Hudson, with his wife, Janelle. Milana is “probably the one who gives us the most strength, with the way she has handled this adversity,” Foligno said. “It’s impressive that a 12-year-old girl faces it head-on.”