It’s still weird to see the word “former” there, isn’t it?
On Thursday morning, Jonathan Toews posted a lengthy statement on Instagram, thanking fans, teammates, and members of the front office alike from his well decorated tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks. The statement was shared in a tweet from CHGO Sports’ Jay Zawaski and includes a report from Zawaski on what Toews is up to next:
It’s hard to find words to describe the 16-year journey that mas made this city my home.
Aside from the 3 Stanley Cups, the parades, the countless memories made with my teammates, what is still most special to me was feeling a true connection to the people of this city.
To Blackhawks fans, it was surreal to witness and be a part of the revival of hockey in Chicago. There was nothing like the roar of the Madhouse when we scored a big goal to tie it or win it late in a game. As players, we tried to reciprocate that heart and soul energy we felt from you. I honestly believe it’s what made us so tough to beat in the later games of a playoff series. You are the best fans in the world, and I’m so thankful we shared so many special moments together.
To the Blackhawks Organization, the late Rocky, Danny and the Wirtz family, all of my coaches, GM’s, athletic and equipment trainers, strength coaches, scouting staff and all those that put it all together. It is not lost on me that all the work you do behind the scenes leads to all of our success on the ice. You showed up every day to help all of us achieve our dreams and for that I am forever grateful.
To my Blackhawks teammates, I consider you all lifelong friends and brothers. We share a bond that’s hard to break. Whether you reach the mountain top or not, we can all agree it’s grinding through the tough moments together that we’ll really miss.
To all of you I say, THANK YOU. You made my time here in Chicago unforgettable.
Tazer
Zawaski’s report was accurate, as Toews released a second statement with another Instagram post later on Thursday:
I’d like to announce that I’m not fully retiring, but I am taking 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.
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. Along the way I have met several people who have struggled with health issues pertaining to long COVID, chronic immune response syndrome, and other similar cases that are quite complex. I now recognize the importance of one day sharing the details of my health journey with you all.
Thank you to all of you who have supported me and respected my privacy in the process.
Toews turned 35 in April and, as he referenced in those statements above, has dealt with a litany of health issues in the last few seasons, including issues that sidelined him for the entire 2021 season. The hockey future appears murky at best for Toews, who’s packed more mileage onto the tires of his NHL career than most. The possibility of a full retirement from Toews before he steps back on the ice again would not be a surprising outcome, given all of those recent setbacks. But, given the perseverance that drove him to some of hockey’s highest honors, it also would not be wholly surprising if he found a way back into NHL action again before hanging up his skates permanently.