Kristen Shilton, ESPN NHL reporter
Jonathan Toews says he’s stepping clear of hockey — however now not for excellent.
The previous Chicago Blackhawks captain — and tide unrestricted detached agent — introduced in a social media publish Thursday that future he’s “not fully retiring” from the NHL, he’s going to be “taking some time away from the game again this season.”
“I cannot deny my love for the game of hockey and still feel the passion for competing at my highest level,” Toews posted on Instagram. “However, these last few seasons have been very difficult considering my health challenges. My focus is to give myself the time and space to fully heal and enjoy life to the fullest once again.”
Toews, 35, used to be restricted to simply 53 video games latter season — generating 15 objectives and 31 issues — as a result of deteriorating condition halfway in the course of the season. On the day, Toews mentioned he had “no choice but to step back and concentrate on getting healthy” within the ultimate season of his eight-year, $84 million word.
That raised questions on Toews’ age in Chicago — or somewhere else — in seasons to return. Blackhawks normal supervisor Kyle Davidson didn’t wait lengthy later Chicago’s season resulted in April to verify Toews’ offer would now not be renewed, making him a UFA on July 1.
Toews had spent everything of his 15 NHL seasons with the Blackhawks later they drafted him 3rd total in 2006. He served because the workforce’s captain from 2008 to 2023 and used to be a part of 3 Stanley Cup championship runs in 2010, 2013 and 2015. He leaves the group with 372 objectives and 883 issues in 1067 profession video games.
He used to be nonetheless one of the most league’s premier facilities when, in overdue December 2020, Chicago noticeable its captain can be out indefinitely future coping with an secret disorder. Toews wound up lacking all of the COVID-shortened 2020-21 marketing campaign ahead of saying in June 2021 that he’d been identified with persistent excepted reaction syndrome and would go back for the 2021-22 season.
A next antibody check additionally confirmed Toews had carried the COVID-19 virus at one level. That will next top to him being slowed by means of lengthy COVID signs.
“Along the way, I have met several people who have struggled with health issues pertaining to long COVID … and other cases that are quite complex,” Toews mentioned in his publish. “I now recognize the importance of one day sharing the details of my health journey with you all.”
Toews made any other social media missive previous Thursday, thanking the Blackhawks’ group and enthusiasts for his or her backup over his years with the workforce.
“It’s hard to find words to describe the 16-year journey that has made this city my home,” Toews said. “… It was surreal to witness and be a part of the revival of hockey in Chicago.
“To all of you, I say THANK YOU. You made my day right here in Chicago unforgettable.”
