Jonathan Toews helped bring three Stanley Cup championships to the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2010s, fully cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever play for the franchise.
However, Toews announced Sunday that he will be taking a step back from the ice as he tries to recover from long-term COVID and chronic immune response syndrome.
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Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks arrives at the United Center for the game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Buffalo Sabers on January 17, 2023 in Chicago. (Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images)
«First of all, thank you to the fans and to all those who have shown concern about my absence. I am still dealing with symptoms of prolonged COVID and Chronic Immune Response Syndrome,» he said in a statement through the Blackhawks.
«It’s been really challenging to get through these symptoms. Over the past few weeks, it’s gotten to the point where I had no choice but to step back and focus on recovering. I’m grateful for the patience and support of my teammates, the body manager and the entire Blackhawks organization.
Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks waits for a faceoff during the third period of their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on January 24, 2023 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Derek Cain/Getty Images)
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Toews, 34, has played in 46 games this season. He has 14 goals and 14 assists, but hasn’t scored more than 20 goals since the 2018-2019 season.
Chicago is 17-32-5 this season, eighth in the NHL Central.
Jonathan Toews attends the Chicago Celebration Rally and Parade honoring the 2015 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks on June 18, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Timothy Hiatt/Wire Image)
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Chicago hasn’t made the playoffs since the coronavirus-affected 2020 season and 2017 before that.