When Jonathan Toews played in his last home game with the Blackhawks back in April, the expectation was that he would likely retire at some point in the summer. It certainly felt like he would call it a career in the same sweater he started in 16 seasons ago. The decision was all but finalized when his name did not appear on the list of free-agent players that Toews’ agency submitted to the NHL, though he hadn’t officially announced his retirement or filed any final paperwork.
On his Instagram account Thursday, Toews posted some of his favorite memories with the team, along with a heartfelt “thank you” to the fans, the organization, his teammates, and the city.
However, Tazer followed up his post a few hours later with another, which began:
“I’d like to announce that I am not fully retiring, but I am taking time away from the game again this season.”
- Jonathan Toews
The three-time Stanley Cup champion cited health challenges for his absence. He’s certainly had his fair share of them over his past few seasons, struggling with long COVID and chronic immune response syndrome as well as other ailments. Last season, he was only able to appear in 53 games.
In his age-35 season, it doesn’t appear as if Toews is hanging them up for good, but rather just taking this year off. Jay Zawaski of CHGO Sports helped clarify the message:
If Toews does decide to return in 2024, it wouldn’t be with the Blackhawks. The team and their longtime captain have a mutual understanding that he won’t be back with the team in the future, hence the “thank you” letter. GM Kyle Davidson has previously said that while Toews is a tremendous talent and leader, he’s perhaps “too good of a leader”, which wouldn’t let others like Connor Bedard and Lukas Reichel have the ability to take the reins of the young team.
Instead, Toews would likely take the Patrick Kane route - joining a Stanley Cup contender on a one-year deal for one last shot at a championship. Kane’s agent recently announced that the superstar, who recently underwent hip surgery, wouldn’t sign until well after the beginning of this season.
Toews is the longest-tenured captain in Blackhawks history and ranks third all-time for the club in game-winning goals (69), sixth in goals (372), and sixth in points (883). Despite his statistical accolades, he’ll best be remembered for his leadership of a franchise that won three championships in six seasons from 2010-15.
Though we’ve said goodbye to Toews in a Blackhawks sweater for good, it will be interesting to see where the future hall-of-famer ends up next. Does he officially call it quits this year? Does he move on, giving himself another chance at a championship? Time will tell.
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