Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is leaving indefinitely as he is on an undisclosed illness.
“This offseason, I have experienced symptoms that have left me worn out and lethargic,” Toews said in a team statement. “I am working with doctors so that I can better understand my condition.
“Until I can regain my health in a place where I feel I can act at the elite level and help my team, I won’t join the Blackhawks for training camp. I don’t have a schedule to be a part of again. of the team I’m very disappointed, but it wouldn’t be fair for me or my teammates to try to play in my current condition. “
Toews thanked the Blackhawks for understanding the coaching staff, reception and ownership for their understanding and then addressed the fans.
“To Blackhawks fans, I will continue to do everything I can to get back on the ice and play the game I love for the team I love again,” he said. “I will not make any further comments at this time and will ask everyone to respect my privacy as I focus on my health and recovery.”
The Toews issue is the latest blow for a team that was already in the midst of a rebuilding project but lost two young players who were supposed to be part of it. Now one of his veteran stars is missing.
Toews has been the centerpiece of three Stanley Cup winning teams in Chicago. The 32-year-old added 60 points in 70 games last season. He has had at least 50 points in each season, except one in his 13-year career and has scored the best 81 in the 2019-20 race.
On Monday, the Blackhawks announced that former No. 3 draft pick Kirby Dach will miss four to five months after breaking his wrist while playing in Canada at the IIHF Junior World Championships. He was operated on.
Striker Alex Nylander injured his knee in the playoffs last season and was operated on after he felt discomfort skating earlier this season. He will be out for four to six months.
Toews, along with other Cup mates Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, have had the tutelage of the team’s youngest players. Seabrook is coming out of its own health problems, though. He lost most of last season and had surgery on both hips and right shoulder.
It would be a very different Blackhawks team, even without injuries. Cup winner Corey Crawford did not sign again in the offseason. The Blackhawks give young goalkeepers Collin Delia, Malcolm Subban and Kevin Lankinen a chance. In addition, the team replaced striker Brandon Saad in the avalanche for young defender Nikita Zadorov.
Chicago finished last in the Central Division last season, but made the playoffs according to the modified COVID-19 rules. The Blackhawks upset the Edmonton Oilers in the qualifying round, in which Toews led the team with seven points in four games. Chicago was eliminated by the Vegas Golden Knights in five games.