Nick Foligno leaves the Blackhawks amid daughter’s critical procedure

The Chicago Blackhawks have just announced that their captain Nick Foligno is taking a leave of absence as his daughter undergoes follow-up surgery related to her congenital heart disease.

Nick and Janelle Foligno’s daughter Milana, was born with a congenital heart disease, and 11 years ago, she needed an experimental surgery to save her life. Milana was later transferred to the Boston Children’s Hospital where – at three weeks old – she became the youngest person in the world to receive an experimental procedure in which surgeons replaced her heart’s mitral valve.

The surgery was a success, and it saved her life, but she now has to undergo a follow-up procedure.

This is the right call for the Blackhawks and Foligno to get the time away to be with his family.

While the team’s statement says that it will be a brief leave of absence, no timetable has been set for Foligno’s return.

Wishing the best for Nick Foligno and his daughter.