Report: Former Blackhawks Captain mulling NHL comeback.
Jonathan Toews, the former captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, is considering making a return to the NHL after more than two years away.
Although he has been sidelined due to long COVID and chronic immune response syndrome, Toews, now 36, has resumed skating and gotten into playing shape, with multiple NHL teams expressing interest in his services.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and Colorado Avalanche have been mentioned as potential destinations, though it’s unclear whether Toews will return this season or wait until next year.
Toews shared with GQ magazine on December 29 that he feels better after undergoing an intense healing process in India, which involved Ayurvedic detox treatments, including a notably restrictive regimen. This treatment, which he completed twice in 2023, has made him feel stronger, and he expressed a strong desire to return to the ice.
During his final years with the Blackhawks, Toews struggled with the effects of long COVID, which hindered his performance, including his energy levels and weight.
Although his contract with Chicago ended after the 2022-23 season, Toews remains open to a comeback. However, it’s unlikely that the Blackhawks, who are currently rebuilding, would be a viable destination for him.
Toews seems committed to making the most of this new chapter in his career, stating that he wants to “give it my best shot” and enjoy the journey, though he acknowledges there are no guarantees.
