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It appears that Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is approaching the end of his career as he remains sidelined with symptoms from long-Covid. The forward has been out of the lineup since Jan. 28, and now seems to be considering retirement from the NHL.
"It's looking more and more like Jonathan Toews' career is coming to an unfortunate end. According to two sources, Toews is seriously considering retiring after the season. Long Covid is ending careers. Millions are affected. This isn’t sustainable" - @MeetJess
Toews has been dealing with both long-COVID symptoms as well as Chronic Immune Response Syndrome with the pair of ailments causing him to miss the entire 2020-21 campaign. Last month, he released a statement acknowledging that he is still dealing with symptoms from both issues, which took away any possibility of him being moved at the trade deadline.
At 34 years old, Toews' current contract with the Chicago Blackhawks is expiring at the end of the season, which may also be another reason behind his potential retirement. While his health is obviously a major concern for Jonathan Toews, the business side of the NHL may also be a factor.
If Toews retires, he will likely find himself with a legitimate case for the National Hockey Hall of Fame. Thanks to a core superstar group of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, the Blackhawks won three Stanley Cups in 2009-10, 2013-14 and 2014-15.
"The Chicago Blackhawks tasted plenty of glory in the last decade, but the face of the franchise isn’t so comfortable with the direction the team is now heading down" - Yahoo Sports NHL
Toews is currently the final piece of those championship teams remaining on the Blackhawks. Brent Seabrook retired from the NHL in 2021, Duncan Keith finished his career following the end of last season with the Edmonton Oilers, and Patrick Kane is currently playing with the New York Rangers.
A look at Jonathan Toews' NHL career
After being selected as the third pick in the 2006 draft, Toews helped change the fortunes of the Chicago Blackhawks franchise. During his 15-year NHl career, Toews has won three Stanley Cups, the 2009-2010 Conn Smythe, and the 2012-2013 Selke Award, as well as an election to the All-Star Team in 2012-13.
In 2017, he was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players as the National Hockey League commemorated its 100th anniversary. He was joined by fellow Blackhawks Duncan Keith and Patrick Kane, though the additions of the three were met with controversy.
