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Blackhawks’ Forward to Go On Leave of Absence for Family Matter

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Some things are bigger than hockey. And this is one of those cases. Chicago Blackhawks’ captain Nick Foligno will be taking a brief leave of absence from the team and hockey as he deals with a close family matter.

Foligno Taking Brief Leave

According to a team statement, his daughter will undergo a follow-up surgery for a congenital heart disease. The Blackhawks and Foligno will not have any further comment at this time.

Looking Ahead for the Blackhawks

The Blackhawks will be playing tonight against their rival, the St. Louis Blues. Their schedule for the next five games is as such:

Oct. 17 at home against the Vancouver Canucks

Oct. 19 at home against the Anaheim Ducks

Oct. 23 away against the Tampa Bay Lightning

Oct. 26 at home against the Los Angeles Kings

Oct. 28 at home against the Ottawa Senators

The team then embarks on a four game road trip out west. It is unclear at the moment when Foligno may return. And nor should that be a decision made by anyone outside of the Foligno family. The Blackhawks will be looking to replace the grit and tenacity Foligno brings to the lineup. Especially Wednesday night against the Blues. Rivalry games tend to get fierce. And Foligno is no stranger to dropping the gloves or standing up for his teammates in a scrum.

Well Wishes

We at Last Word On Sports wish the best for the Foligno family at this time. Foligno and his wife started a foundation called “The Heart’s Playbook,” inspired by their daughter. More information on the foundation can be found here.

Main Photo: Daniel Bartel- Imagn Images

The post Blackhawks’ Forward to Go On Leave of Absence for Family Matter appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.