Surprise announcement from Jonathan Toews

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Elias Edmonson
August 19, 2023 (2:09 PM)

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In the last few hours, Jonathan Toews announced, via his Instagram account, that he is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks organization.

I'd like to announce that I am 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.

Selected third overall in the 2006 draft, he made a mark in the history of the franchise by helping his team win three Stanley Cups between 2010 and 2015, while proudly wearing the C on his jersey and being a true leader within the team.

However, the recent years have been more challenging, and the 35-year-old veteran even missed the entire 2020-2021 season due to injuries.

Yet, even though all signs point to him not playing in the NHL in 2023-2024, a source well connected to the Chicago sports scene mentioned that we might not have seen the last of Jonathan Toews in the NHL.

As reported by the website Danslescoulisses.com, Jay Zawaski, who hosts the CHGO Blackhawks podcast, stated via his X account that Toews' announcement did not sound like retirement at all. According to his information, the former Blackhawks captain might have a little surprise in store for us.

Does this mean Jonathan Toews is preparing a little surprise for the 2024-2025 season?

Obviously, it's too early to speculate, but the fact that he hasn't officially announced his retirement might hint at his intentions. Moreover, according to Zawaski, it's quite possible that Toews might skip the upcoming season and could make a return just in time for the 2024-2025 season.

Looking closely at the situation, it would make sense since the veteran has been plagued by several injuries in recent years. It's logical to think he might take a sabbatical to recover and come back stronger.

However, if Toews were to return to play in the fall of 2024, he would likely be more of a complementary piece to a team rather than a major player. But on reflection, the opportunity for a young player to rub shoulders with such a teammate would undoubtedly be a significant source of motivation.

That said, this scenario is still a long way off, but it will be interesting to follow this matter over the next few months.