In an extremely quick turn of events, Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews has gone from not playing to returning to practice to, apparently, returning to the lineup.
That was the big news from Friday’s practice, with coach Luke Richardson telling reporters that Jonathan Toews is expected to be in the lineup when the Blackhawks host the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night.
Luke Richardson says Jonathan Toews will play tomorrow vs New Jersey#Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/gL4pVcwAzl
— Mario Tirabassi (@Mario_Tirabassi) March 31, 2023
Toews has 28 points (14 G, 14 A) in 46 games this season but has not played since a Jan. 28 game against the Edmonton Oilers, as symptoms from his battle with long COVID and Chronic Immunse Response Syndrome that cost him the entire 2021 hockey season once again began affecting the Blackhawks captain. The team even released a statement from Toews back in February to address the beginning of his absences from the lineup.
The short-term plan for Toews has him back in the lineup. The long-term plan remains undecided, as Toews explained when asked:
Jonathan Toews on the Retirement Question: "I'm not near making that decision yet."
"Either that decision will be clear for me this summer, or I'll be really feeling good and…ready to train and prepare and get myself to a place where I can play high-level hockey again."
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) March 31, 2023
Given the trade of Patrick Kane about one month ago and the general feeling around the team of late, it’s extremely difficult to view this as anything but the final stretch of Toews’ career in Chicago. And, at least for Toews, there’s now a possibility that this season could end on his own terms, not the terms associated with those chronic ailments.
Both Toews and Richardson tempered expectations related to Toews’ return, though:
Richardson on Toews' return: "He’s like, ‘Well, it’s not going to be perfect. It might be ugly.'"
"I said, 'We’re a little bit ugly right now, so you’ll fit right now.'"
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) March 31, 2023
Why is Toews returning to the lineup? It could stem from the healing powers of this:
Jonathan Toews with a puppy after practice. For your viewing pleasure. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/uG96iIprcj
— Chris Vosters (@CJVosters) March 31, 2023
Puppies joined the Blackhawks after Friday’s practice as part of an initiative set up by Colin Blackwell and his fiance, Lauren:
Colin Blackwell’s fiancé, Lauren, has been rescuing foster puppies. Hence all the dog gone fun today. pic.twitter.com/Zyp4aAOYs1
— Joe Brand (@Joe_Brand1) March 31, 2023
No word yet on whether or not any of those dogs have been signed by the Blackhawks to skate against the Devils on Saturday night.