The Captain provided an update on his health
On Sunday afternoon, the Chicago Blackhawks released the following statement from captain Jonathan Toews:
First of all, thank you to the fans and all those who have shown concern about my absence. I’m still dealing with the symptoms of Long COVID and Chronic Immune Response Syndrome.
It has been really challenging to play through these symptoms. In the last few weeks, it has reached the point where I had no choice but to step back and concentrate on getting healthy. I am thankful for the patience and support of my teammates, the coaching staff, and the entire Blackhawks organization.
Toews has not played since Jan. 28 against the Edmonton Oilers, missing all six games since the team returned from the All-Star Break. As referenced in the statement, Toews missed the entire 2021 hockey season while dealing with an ailment that was called “Chronic Immune Response Syndrome,” which was detailed in a June 2021 video. It appears some of those symptoms are back again and Toews’ status as a hockey player is again taking a back seat until he can verify that he’s a healthy human being.
This statement came soon after a report from Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli that stated Toews won’t be traded by the March 3 deadline, citing health concerns:
Most importantly for Toews, there does not appear to be any major long-term health concerns and it’s possible Toews could return to the lineup in March.
But out of fairness to other teams, Toews felt his body was not cooperating to compete at a high level right now.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 19, 2023
This raises another round of questions related to Toews’ long-term hockey career, as he’s on a contract that expires at the end of this season. But, those can be answered later. Right now, the primary focus for Toews is to recover enough that he can play in the NHL again.
When that’ll happen, though, is anyone’s guess — even from Toews himself.
[UPDATE] GM Kyle Davidson met with the media on Sunday and provided a few other comments on Toews:
Kyle Davidson said the trade deadline is secondary and he just hopes Jonathan Toews can play again this season.
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) February 19, 2023
And, of course, the Patrick Kane trade talks came up as well:
Kyle Davidson expects a decision “soon” from Patrick Kane on his trade deadline desires.
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) February 19, 2023