The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Tuesday morning that captain Nick Foligno will take a brief leave of absence from the team. The decision comes as his daughter undergoes follow-up surgery related to a congenital heart condition, according to an official team statement.

The announcement immediately drew messages of support from across the hockey community, with fans, teammates, and other organizations sending their best wishes to the veteran forward and his family. It’s a deeply personal moment for Foligno, who has long been recognized as one of the NHL’s most respected leaders both on and off the ice.

For the Blackhawks, the timing adds an emotional layer to the early stretch of their 2025–26 campaign, as they rally around their captain during a challenging period.

How long will Nick

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