Some things are bigger than hockey. And this is one of those cases. Chicago Blackhawks’ captain Nick Foligno will be taking a brief leave of absence from the team and hockey as he deals with a close family matter.
Foligno Taking Brief Leave
According to a team statement, his daughter will undergo a follow-up surgery for a congenital heart disease. The Blackhawks and Foligno will not have any further comment at this time.
The Chicago Blackhawks announced a statement that Nick Foligno will be taking a leave of absence for his daughter. pic.twitter.com/6QJJaa9C1M
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 15, 2025
Looking Ahead for the Blackhawks
The Blackhawks will be playing tonight against their rival, the St. Louis Blues. Their schedule for the next five games is as such:
Oct. 17 at home against the Vancouver Canucks
Oct. 19 at home against the Anaheim Ducks
Oct. 23 away against the Tampa Bay Lightning
Oct. 26 at home against the Los Angeles Kings
Oct. 28 at home against the Ottawa Senators
The team then embarks on a four game road trip out west. It is unclear at the moment when Foligno may return. And nor should that be a decision made by anyone outside of the Foligno family. The Blackhawks will be looking to replace the grit and tenacity Foligno brings to the lineup. Especially Wednesday night against the Blues. Rivalry games tend to get fierce . And Foligno is no stranger to dropping the gloves or standing up for his teammates in a scrum.
Well Wishes
We at Last Word On Sports wish the best for the Foligno family at this time. Foligno and his wife started a foundation called “The Heart’s Playbook,” inspired by their daughter. More information on the foundation can be found here .
The Heart’s Playbook is a foundation started by Nick Foligno and his wife Janelle after their daughter, Milana, was born with congenital heart defects.
I’d invite every #Blackhawks fan to support them in any way you can:https://t.co/reEZB7s9jX https://t.co/AFNtuprzwQ pic.twitter.com/Mw3sgUMQCx
— The Rinkside General (@RinksideGeneral) October 15, 2025
Main Photo: Daniel Bartel- Imagn Images
The post Blackhawks’ Forward to Go On Leave of Absence for Family Matter appeared first on Last Word On Hockey .