Is Jonathan Toews Retiring? What Happened to Him?
by Kowsalya | Updated Mar 29, 2023
Is Jonathan Toews Retiring?
Chicago Blackhawks' captain, Jonathan Toews, may be considering retirement from the NHL due to long-COVID symptoms and Chronic Immune Response Syndrome. The 34-year-old forward has been out of the lineup since January 28, and his current contract with the Blackhawks is expiring at the end of the season, which may be another reason behind his potential retirement. Despite the business side of the NHL possibly being a factor, Toews' health remains a major concern. His ailments caused him to miss the entire 2020-21 campaign, and he recently released a statement acknowledging that he is still dealing with symptoms from both issues. If Toews retires, he will likely have a legitimate case for the National Hockey Hall of Fame. Toews was part of the Blackhawks' core superstar group, which included Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook, that won three Stanley Cups in 2009-10, 2013-14, and 2014-15.
What Happened to Jonathan Toews?
Jonathan Toews, captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, has opened up about his battle with Long COVID and Chronic Immune Response Syndrome, revealing that he had considered retiring from hockey due to his health issues. The 34-year-old forward has been sidelined since January 28th, missing the entirety of the 2020-21 season. Recently, as part of his recovery process, Toews participated in a morning skate with the team. He spoke candidly about the challenges he has faced over the past few months, admitting that he had reached a point where he "couldn't move on the ice" and lacked the motivation to put on his skates or even leave his bed to go to the rink. Toews revealed that he had been grappling with the decision of whether to push through his symptoms or retire and focus on his health. While acknowledging that retiring would be a tough choice, Toews stressed that his well-being was his top priority.
Is Jonathan Toews Playing Tonight?
Chicago Blackhawks' veteran center, Jonathan Toews, will not be playing against the Colorado Avalanche tonight due to a persistent illness that has kept him off the ice for most of the season. Despite being unable to play, Toews has been actively working out and interacting with his teammates, indicating a positive sign for his recovery. However, there is still no definite timeline for his return to action as his illness has been identified as "Long-COVID-19," causing him to experience lingering symptoms related to a previous infection with the virus. As a result, it has been challenging for him to achieve physical readiness. Although the Blackhawks have not ruled out Toews for the rest of the season, they are prioritizing his health and well-being and will monitor his progress closely until he is fully recovered.
Who is Jonathan Toews?
Born on April 29, 1988, Jonathan Bryan Toews is a Canadian professional ice hockey center who currently serves as the captain of the Chicago Blackhawks in the National Hockey League (NHL). He earned the nickname "Captain Serious" and was chosen by the Blackhawks as the third overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Toews made his debut with the team in the 2007-08 season and was nominated for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL Rookie of the Year. In the following season, he was named team captain, becoming the second-youngest captain in NHL history, next to Sidney Crosby at that time. Toews won the Stanley Cup in 2010, along with the Conn Smythe Trophy for the playoffs' most valuable player. He surpassed Peter Forsberg as the youngest player to join the Triple Gold Club after winning the Cup. He won the Stanley Cup again in 2013 and 2015. Toews also competes for Team Canada in international ice hockey events and has earned several gold medals, including the 2010 Winter Olympics, in which he was named the tournament's best forward, and the 2014 Winter Olympics. In 2017, he was recognized as one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players.
Jonathan Toews Stat
Season
Team
League
GP
G
A
Pts
PIM
GP
G
A
Pts
PIM
2002–03
Winnipeg Warriors
Bantam AAA
48
98
95
193
—
—
—
—
—
—
2003–04
Shattuck-Saint Mary's
Midget AAA
70
64
54
118
—
—
—
—
—
—
2004–05
Shattuck-Saint Mary's
Midget AAA
64
48
62
110
38
—
—
—
—
—
2005–06
University of North Dakota
WCHA
42
22
17
39
22
—
—
—
—
—
2006–07
University of North Dakota
WCHA
34
18
28
46
22
—
—
—
—
—
2007–08
Chicago Blackhawks
NHL
64
24
30
54
44
—
—
—
—
—
2008–09
Chicago Blackhawks
NHL
82
34
35
69
51
17
7
6
13
26
2009–10
Chicago Blackhawks
NHL
76
25
43
68
47
22
7
22
29
4
2010–11
Chicago Blackhawks
NHL
80
32
44
76
26
7
1
3
4
2
2011–12
Chicago Blackhawks
NHL
59
29
28
57
28
6
2
2
4
6
2012–13
Chicago Blackhawks
NHL
47
23
25
48
27
23
3
11
14
18
2013–14
Chicago Blackhawks
NHL
76
28
40
68
34
19
9
8
17
8
2014–15
Chicago Blackhawks
NHL
81
28
38
66
36
23
10
11
21
8
2015–16
Chicago Blackhawks
NHL
80
28
30
58
62
7
0
6
6
10
2016–17
Chicago Blackhawks
NHL
72
21
37
58
35
4
1
1
2
0
2017–18
Chicago Blackhawks
NHL
74
20
32
52
47
—
—
—
—
—
2018–19
Chicago Blackhawks
NHL
82
35
46
81
40
—
—
—
—
—
2019–20
Chicago Blackhawks
NHL
70
18
42
60
48
9
5
4
9
2
2021–22
Chicago Blackhawks
NHL
71
12
25
37
39
—
—
—
—
—
NHL totals
1,014
357
495
852
564
137
45
74
119
84
Is Jonathan Toews Retiring - FAQs
Jonathan Toews is nicknamed "Captain Serious" for his serious and focused demeanor on and off the ice.
Toews has played his entire NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Toews has won numerous awards in the NHL, including the Calder Memorial Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy, and three Stanley Cups.
Long-COVID-19 is a condition where individuals continue to experience symptoms related to a previous COVID-19 infection for an extended period of time. Toews has been battling Long-COVID-19, which has kept him off the ice for much of the 2020-21 NHL season.