Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is off indefinitely because of an undisclosed illness.
“Off-season, I’ve had symptoms that left me feeling exhausted and listless,” Toews said in a statement from the team. “I work with doctors so I can better understand my condition.
Until I can get my health back to a place where I feel I can perform at an elite level and help my team, I will not be going to the Blackhawks for training camp. I have no timetable for when I will rejoin the team. “I am extremely disappointed, but it would not be fair to myself or my teammates to try and play in my current condition.”
Toews thanked the coaching staff, front office and ownership of Blackhawks for their understanding and then addressed the fans.
“For Blackhawks fans, I will continue to do what I can to get back on the ice and get back to the game I love for the team I love,” he said. “I will not make any further comments at this time and ask everyone to respect my privacy while focusing on my health and recovery.”
Toews’ problem is the final blow to a team already in the midst of a reconstruction project, but losing two young players who would make up a big part of it. Now it is missing one of its experienced stars.
Toews was the frontline center of three Stanley Cup-winning teams in Chicago. The 32-year-old had 60 points in 70 games last season. He has scored at least 50 points in every season except one in his 13-year career and had a best 81 in 2019-2020.
On Monday, the Blackhawks announced that former No. 3 draft pick Kirby Dach will miss four to five months after breaking his wrist playing for Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championships. He underwent surgery.
Forward Alex Nylander injured his knee in the playoffs last season and underwent surgery after feeling uncomfortable skating before this season. He will be off for four to six months.
Toews has been counted on, along with fellow cup holders Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, to accompany the team’s younger players. However, Seabrook is getting rid of its own health problems. He missed most of the past season and underwent surgery on both hips and his right shoulder.
It would be a completely different Blackhawks team, even without the injuries. Cup-winning goalkeeper Corey Crawford was not re-signed in the off-season. The Blackhawks instead give a chance to young goalkeepers Collin Delia, Malcolm Subban and Kevin Lankinen. The team also exchanged Brandon Saad to the Avalanche for the young defender Nikita Zadorov.
Chicago finished last in the Central Division last season, but made it to the playoffs under the modified COVID-19 rules. The Blackhawks upset the Edmonton Oilers in the qualifying round, with Toews leading the team with seven points in four games. Chicago was then eliminated in five games by the Vegas Golden Knights.