Blackhawks Captain Nick Foligno Takes Leave of Absence
Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno is taking a leave of absence due to his 12-year-old daughter's follow-up surgery related to her congenital heart disease.
The Folignos have been big supporters of sick children in Sudbury and northeastern Ontario.
"We're obviously praying for him and his family and everything that's going on, and that one was for him and them,"said forward Frank Nazar.
Coach Jeff Blashill expressed that other players can help pick up the slack, saying
"He's an extension of the coaching staff... now I think we have other guys in the room that can help pick it up. It's like, as if he was injured, just next man up has to do the job."
The team announced the leave on Wednesday and had no further comment. Foligno, 31, is in his third season with Chicago, with no goals and two assists in four games.
Author's summary: Nick Foligno takes leave for daughter's surgery.