Jonathan Toews Considering NHL Return Following Massive Health Issues

After taking two years away from hockey, Jonathan Toews is still considering a return to the NHL. The former Chicago Blackhawks captain has been dealing with chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) and long-term COVID-19, which took a toll on Toews at the turn of the decade. The 36-year-old left the possibility of coming out of retirement open-ended during an interview with GQ. “There’s a part of me that really doesn’t feel like my career is over yet, and who knows what this next part of my journey looks like, as far as getting back on the ice and trying to make a return to the NHL.” Toews said to GQ. Toews announced he would be stepping away from the game because of these health issues in August 2023. Since then, he has been on a relentless journey to regain his sense of well-being, turning to unconventional treatments in the process. Most recently, he spent five weeks in India practicing Ayurveda, a traditional form of alternative medicine that incorporates herbal remedies, yoga, meditation, and cleansing therapies. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – APRIL 13: Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks stands for the National Anthem prior to a game against the Philadelphia Flyers at United Center on April 13, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois…. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – APRIL 13: Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks stands for the National Anthem prior to a game against the Philadelphia Flyers at United Center on April 13, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. In an Instagram post in November, Toews wrote an update on his journey, indicating that things were moving in a positive direction with his recovery. “As some of you may know, I’ve been on a bit of a healing journey. I’ve had many ups and downs, brief moments of hope working with a whole bunch of different doctors and modalities, followed by doubting if things would ever improve. But I recently spent 5 weeks in India undergoing an Ayurvedic detox called a Panchakarma, and I’m happy to say things are trending,” said Toews. Toews’ last NHL season was 2022-23, where he totaled 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points in 53 games. His departure, along with Patrick Kane’s that season, marked the end of the core that won three Stanley Cups in Chicago. The Blackhawks have undergone significant changes in Toews’ absence, including drafting Connor Bedard, who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2023. The franchise is currently molding itself around Bedard as it endures growing pains. Whether Toews does in fact emerge from his hiatus or not, the two-time Olympic Gold Medalist has already solidified his case into the Hall of Fame. “I’ve talked to a lot of the guys that are done, and a lot of them will say that desire to be on the ice competing and to be in the locker room with the guys never goes away,” said Toews. “It’s just something that you have to accept when your time comes. So there’s that, but at the same time, I think there’s a big part of me that really wants to give it my all, to get back on the ice and see where it takes me.” More NHL: Sidney Crosby Passes Mario Lemieux to Become Penguins All-Time Assist Leader For more on the NHL, head to Newsweek Sports.