Chicago Blackhawks captain and first-line center Jonathan Toews, who helped the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup championships, is out indefinitely due to an undisclosed illness.
“This offseason, I’ve been experiencing symptoms that have left me feeling drained and lethargic,” Toews said in an official statement issued by the organization. “I am working 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 joining the Blackhawks for training camp. I do not have a timetable for when I will rejoin the team. I am extremely disappointed, but it wouldn’t be fair to myself or my teammates to attempt to play in my current condition.”
“To Blackhawks fans, I will continue to do whatever I can to get back on the ice and return to play the game I love for the team I love,” he said. “I will not be making any further comment at this time and ask everyone to please respect my privacy as I focus on my health and recovery.”
Toews, 32, had 60 points in 70 games last season and has notched at least 50 points in every season, except one, during his 13 year career. Toews had a career-high 80 points during the 2019-2020 season.
Toews, will have to continue to monitor his health, and many of us should as well, especially when it comes to the unknown issues such as pilonidal cysts which can require cleft lift surgery or other remedies.
