CHICAGO — Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno is taking a "brief" leave of absence due to a family health situation, the team announced Wednesday morning.

In a statement issued by the team and Foligno, they say the Blackhawks captain "is taking a brief leave of absence as his daughter undergoes follow-up surgery related to her congenital heart disease. Nick, nor the Blackhawks, will have any further comment at this time."

Foligno, a forward, is a seasoned NHL veteran in his 19th season in the league and third with Chicago. He's played in all four of the team's regular-season games so far, totaling one assist and four shots on goal.

For his career, Foligno has 247 goals and 352 assists.

The Blackhawks (1-2-1) play the Blues in St. Louis on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m.

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