Former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews announced on Thursday that he will be taking a break from hockey during the 2023-24 season. However, he clarified that this decision does not mean he is retiring from the sport, as he expressed his continued love for the game and his passion for competing at the highest level.
Toews had been with the Blackhawks for the past 15 seasons, serving as their captain from 2008 to 2023. Throughout his career, he has achieved impressive statistics, with 372 goals and 511 assists in 1,067 career NHL games.
The 35-year-old’s playing time was significantly reduced in the 2022-23 season, as he only participated in 53 games. Toews suffered from long COVID and Chronic Immune Response Syndrome, which caused him to miss several weeks of play. Furthermore, the Blackhawks decided not to re-sign Toews, allowing his contract to expire at the end of the season.
While some may question Toews’ ability to continue playing in the NHL due to his age and declining performance, experts from The Athletic believe he could still be valuable to a contending team. Despite not being the player he once was, Toews managed to score 15 goals and accumulate 31 points in the previous season, often playing alongside lower-level talent. Additionally, his leadership skills and experience are highly respected in the league, making him an asset to any team.
The key issue now is not whether Toews can still play, but rather whether he desires to do so. It remains to be seen if he believes his body can withstand another full season and if he is willing to accept a lesser role on the ice and in the locker room after being a prominent figure in Chicago throughout his career.
The Blackhawks’ decision not to re-sign Toews was not due to his lack of skill or value to the team. General Manager Kyle Davidson wanted to provide opportunities for the upcoming generation of Blackhawks players, including promising talent Connor Bedard, to establish their own leadership group. This “clean slate” approach would enable the new wave of players to take charge of their own development without relying on Toews’ guidance. Davidson emphasized the importance of allowing these young players to experience leadership responsibilities on their own terms.
Toews’ announcement received mixed reactions from fans and hockey enthusiasts alike. Many respected his decision to take a break and acknowledged his contributions to the Blackhawks. However, there is hope that Toews will return to the ice and continue to inspire and lead, whether with the Blackhawks or another team.
(Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images)