Blackhawks’ Nick Foligno taking ‘brief leave of absence’ for daughter’s surgery

ST. LOUIS — The Blackhawks will play without their captain, Nick Foligno, for the time being.

Foligno is taking a “brief leave of absence” as his 12-year-old daughter, Milana, undergoes a follow-up surgery related to her congenital heart defect, the Hawks announced Wednesday.

The 37-year-old forward will miss the Hawks’ matchup Wednesday against the Blues at the least, and his availability is unknown for upcoming home games Friday against the Canucks and Sunday against the Ducks.

Foligno and his wife, Janelle, run a foundation called The Heart’s Playbook, which Milana’s childhood inspired them to found in order to support research and provide inspiration for other children dealing with heart disease.

Milana was diagnosed with Moderate Tricuspid Regurgitation and Mitral Valve Arcade as an infant in October 2013, and she underwent an experimental but ultimately successful operation to become — at the time — just the 17th person ever to have a Melody Valve inserted into her heart.

“Milana has given us a purpose to continue on and make sure we’re helping the next Milana in the world,” Foligno said in 2023.

Milana and her two brothers, Landon and Hudson, have been frequent sights during and after Hawks practices at Fifth Third Arena the past few years.

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