Jonathan Toews says he’s stepping clear of hockey — however now not for just right.

The previous Chicago Blackhawks captain — and tide unrestricted sovereign agent — introduced in a social media submit Thursday that future he’s “not fully retiring” from the NHL, he’s going to be “taking some time away from the game again this season.”

“I cannot deny my love for the game of hockey and still feel the passion for competing at my highest level,” Toews posted to Instagram. “However, these last few seasons have been very difficult considering my health challenges. My focus is to give myself the time and space to fully heal and enjoy life to the fullest once again.”

The 35-year-old Toews was once restricted to simply 53 video games utmost season — generating 15 targets and 31 issues — because of deteriorating fitness halfway throughout the season. On the day, Toews mentioned he had “no choice but to step back and concentrate on getting healthy” within the ultimate season of his eight-year, $84 million assurance.

That raised questions on Toews’ age in Chicago — or somewhere else — in seasons to come back. Blackhawks’ basic supervisor Kyle Davidson didn’t wait lengthy then Chicago’s season led to April to substantiate Toews’ offer would now not be renewed, making him a UFA on July 1.

Toews had spent the whole lot of his 15 NHL seasons with the Blackhawks then they drafted him 3rd general in 2006. He served because the staff’s captain from 2008 to 2023 and was once a part of 3 Stanley Cup championship runs in 2010, 2013 and 2015. He leaves the group with 372 targets and 883 issues in 1067 profession video games.

He was once nonetheless one of the most league’s premier facilities when, in past due December 2020, Chicago unmistakable its captain can be out indefinitely future coping with an mysterious problem. Toews wound up lacking all of the COVID-shortened 2020-21 marketing campaign earlier than saying in June 2021 that he’d been recognized with power exempt reaction syndrome and would go back for the 2021-22 season.

A next antibody check additionally confirmed Toews had carried the COVID-19 virus at one level. That might upcoming manage to him being slowed via lengthy COVID signs.

“Along the way, I have met several people who have struggled with health issues pertaining to long COVID … and other cases that are quite complex,” Toews mentioned in his submit. “I now recognize the importance of one day sharing the details of my health journey with you all.”

Toews made every other social media missive previous Thursday, thanking the Blackhawks’ group and fanatics for his or her help over his years with the staff.

“It’s hard to find words to describe the 16-year journey that has made this city my home,” Toews mentioned. “… It was surreal to witness and be a part of the revival of hockey in Chicago.

“To all of you, I say THANK YOU. You made my day right here in Chicago unforgettable.”