Former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, who has not played in the National Hockey League since April 2023, has stated he is `100% committed` to rejoining the league for the 2025-26 season, according to a report by Pierre LeBrun. Toews has informed his agent, Pat Brisson, of his firm decision to make a comeback. Brisson confirmed he will engage with NHL teams as the free agency period approaches, beginning July 1st.
Toews` career was significantly impacted by a prolonged health battle involving complications from COVID-19 and chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS). Nearly two years ago, he announced a temporary leave to focus on his health, specifically stating at the time that he was not retiring but taking a break for the 2023-24 season. This absence ultimately extended through the most recent campaign as well.
During the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season, Toews missed the entire schedule. By the end of that year, he received a CIRS diagnosis and later confirmed through an antibody test that he had also contracted COVID-19 during his time away. Although he returned to play with the Blackhawks the following season, he continued to miss substantial time dealing with long COVID symptoms until his contract expired at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season.
LeBrun`s report indicates that Toews has dedicated the past several months to preparing for an NHL return. It is not unprecedented for a player to return to the league after an extended multi-year hiatus, a notable recent example being Gabriel Landeskog, who returned to the Colorado Avalanche during this season`s Stanley Cup Playoffs following a three-year recovery period from knee surgery.
Toews, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, spent his entire distinguished career with the Blackhawks organization. He was selected third overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and served as the team`s captain for many years. The 37-year-old played 15 seasons with the franchise before taking his break from the sport.
His first Stanley Cup win in 2010 was particularly significant, ending a 47-year championship drought for Chicago. During that playoff run, he was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player. Toews has also won a Selke Trophy as the league`s best defensive forward and is a six-time NHL All-Star. On the international stage, he earned two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Games.
Elton Marrow