Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews has decided to temporarily step away from the ice. On Sunday, Toews released a statement that he is dealing with symptoms of long COVID and chronic immune response syndrome.
“It has been really challenging to play through these symptoms,” Toews said in a statement released by the team. “In the last few weeks, it has reached the point where I had no choice but to step back and concentrate on getting healthy. I am thankful for the patience and support of my teammates, the coaching staff, and the entire Blackhawks organization.”
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Toews, 34, missed the 2020-21 campaign due to chronic immune response syndrome. He returned last year and continued to play well. This season, Toews has 14 goals and 14 assists in 46 games for the Blackhawks.
However, Toews has not played since Jan. 28. He will now focus on his health and recovery in the upcoming weeks.
The Blackhawks are supportive of the decision. Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson told reporters that the organization will help Toews throughout his recovery. There is still optimism that Toews could return later in the season.
“We know this has been a real difficult period for him,” Davidson said via the Chicago Tribune. “We miss him being around the team and we want to get him back around the team and on the ice.”
Toews won three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks. He has spent 15 seasons with the organization and is currently on an expiring contract. Rumors circulated that he could be traded at the NHL trade deadline on March 3.
ESPN hockey insider Emily Kaplan reported the team plans to keep Toews. Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson mentioned they are focused on his health right now.
“He was back (with the team) this week, first steps of getting back and working out and skating, and unfortunately wasn’t getting the results that he wanted,” Richardson said. “Collaboratively we just felt like stepping back and for him trying to figure out and get some answers is the best thing for his health.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jonathan Toews steps away from Chicago Blackhawks due to long COVID
