Jonathan Toews Announces That He Is Not Retiring, But He Isn't Going To Play Either

I’d like to announce that I am not fully retiring, but I am taking 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.

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. 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.
Thank you to all of you who have supported me and respected my privacy in the process.--Toews

The curious case of Jonathan Toews continues. The more time goes along the more I think this is the absolute strangest and most mysterious end to a Hall Of Fame career of all time. I love Jonny. Always will. There's almost nothing that I could learn about him at this point that would change my mind about him as a player. The first half of his career he was one of the most complete players I have ever seen. That is the type of guy I always gravitated to. I was always more of a Forsberg guy than a Bure guy. Toews fit that mold. Hyper competitive. Great in all situations. And...the winning. The winning helps. Then...I don't know. Something seemed to change. I wonder if this immune disorder actually started impacting him before it was realized or diagnosed. 

Sad to hear that he still wants to play, but can't. I don't think many teams were beating down his door, but that is probably because the health aspect is too much of a risk. It definitely seems like it is too much of a risk for Toews. Here is hoping that he gets this figured out because it is definitely bigger than just playing hockey. That stuff about living a full and healthy life breaks your heart. There is nothing that impacts your mental health worse than having poor physical health. I pray he can get both figured out.