Surprising update for Jonathan Toews' NHL future: he may not be coming back

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Daniel Lucente
September 11, 2024 (12:08)

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Fans have been wondering for quite some time whether Jonathan Toews was going to retire or not, and he has just broken his silence on social media.

Long-time Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews announced following this past season he was stepping away from hockey to focus on healing and enjoying life. Now over a year later, there is scarcely any buzz around a return to action this coming season.

«My focus is to give myself the time and space to fully heal and enjoy life to the fullest once again,» he posted on Instagram in August, 2023. «Along the way I have met several people who have struggled with health issues pertaining to long COVID, chronic immune response syndrome, and other similar cases that are quite complex. I now recognize the importance of one day sharing the details of my health journey with you all.»

- Jonathan Toews

To be frank, his social media isn't offering much explanation either. The guy once known as 'Captain Serious' posts pictures now surfing the West Coast and attending Burning Man. Yes, you heard it right, Jonathan Toews is soaking in the vibes at a music festival amidst the desert, in a series of recent posts!

This isn't quite what you might've expected, is it?

As Todd Welter from BlackhawkUp.com puts it, Toews may have already made his retirement official in so many words. A comeback to the NHL seems less likely with each passing day. It doesn't appear that we will ever see him again in the NHL. Obviously, he's enjoying life at this moment, and it certainly does not seem like he is champing at the bit to jump back into the grind of an 82-game season.

"Maybe an official announcement will never come," Welter says in his latest column. "He seems to be enjoying life away from the spotlight. He probably does have to officially file some sort of retirement paperwork for Hall of Fame eligibility. If it does, it might be a short press release rather than a major gathering and emotional speech."

Source: Hockey Feed
Has Jonathan Toews officially retired?