(Chicago) Former Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews has opted to take a break from hockey to recuperate after being limited to 53 games last season.
The 35-year-old Manitoba is a free agent after 15 seasons with Chicago.
“I would like to announce that I will not completely retire, but I will take some time for myself again,” Toews wrote on social media.
He missed the entire 2020-21 season due to long-term COVID symptoms and chronic immune response syndrome.
He continued, “I love hockey and I still have a passion for competing at the highest level.” However, the past few seasons have been very difficult due to my health issues. »
A Stanley Cup champion in 2010, 2013 and 2015, Toews scored 15 goals and 31 points last season, the final year of an eight-year, $84 million contract.
Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said at the end of the season that the team would not offer him a new contract.
“The idea of playing for another team now is on my mind even now, especially after that,” Toyos said after receiving a standing ovation from Hawks fans in Chicago on April 13.
I always thought I was going to retire as a Blackhawk and part of me still believes that, so we’ll see.
Jonathan Toews
Toews, a third overall pick in 2006, was 20 when he was named captain of the Blackhawks.
He scored 372 goals and 883 points with them, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010 as playoff MVP.
In 2018, he was named one of the 100 greatest players in NHL history.
“My goal is to give myself the time and space to fully heal and enjoy life to the fullest again,” he wrote on Instagram.
“I have met many people who have had health issues related to prolonged COVID, chronic immune response syndrome, and other similar rather complex conditions. I now realize the importance of one day sharing the details of my health journey with you.”
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