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Former Blackhawks Captain Jonathan Toews reveals if he'll ever play in the NHL again
Photo credit: Chicago Sun-Times
Jonathan Toews has lived the dream many in the NHL have, three Stanley Cups, and a Captain's patch. He was interviewed by GQ and was asked if he'd return to the ice soon.
After December 2020, news struck the Blackhawks nation that Jonathan Toews had been diagnosed with (CIRS) and would sit out a part of the season. The Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, drove him to battle ongoing fatigue, and would have to sit out the shortened season.
Captain Toews would return to the lineup and play the next two seasons with the Hawks, but in August 2023 would step away from the game in order to focus on healing.
It'd be post on Instagram where he'd show his journey to India in order to practice Ayurveda in order to heal.
The goal was to soothe himself, and rid himself of inflammation which had been bothering him since 2020.
The latest was a five-week stint in India where he practiced Ayurveda, a traditional form of alternative medicine that involves herbal medicines, yoga, meditation, and enemas.
GQ would interview the Blackhawks legend and one topic which was discussed was whether he'd return to the ice sooner, rather than later.
Toews on "Panchakarma":
«Well, maybe I should give this thing a try.» I didn't even really research it at all, didn't look at other possible clinics or places that offered the same treatments. I was just like, «You know what? This guy suggested this thing. He had clients that said it was a really, really good thing and a very reputable place, let's just go with it and give it a shot.» So I decided to do that, and I went out there last September of 2023, and it was the most life-changing thing I've ever experienced and I literally got stronger every month since then.
This is great news for Toews, who was at one point rumored to be a candidate for multiple teams to sign as a free agent, after the Hawks didn't extend his contract after April, 2023.
Now, what is his outlook on a return to the NHL?
I think, going to your hockey question, again, I haven't spoken about this to a lot of people, but it's definitely still in there. I've talked to a lot of the guys that are done, and a lot of them will say that desire to be on the ice competing and to be in the locker room with the guys never goes away. It's just something that you have to accept when your time comes. So there's that, but at the same time, I think there's a big part of me that really wants to give it my all, to get back on the ice and see where it takes me.
There's a part of me that really doesn't feel like my career is over yet, and who knows what this next part of the journey looks like, as far as getting back on the ice and trying to make a return to the NHL. There's never any guarantees in life, but I'm going to give it my best shot. I'm going to enjoy every step of the way. As hard as it's been at times, I look back now and I'm pretty thankful for it all. So we'll see what happens.
There's a part of me that really doesn't feel like my career is over yet, and who knows what this next part of the journey looks like, as far as getting back on the ice and trying to make a return to the NHL. There's never any guarantees in life, but I'm going to give it my best shot. I'm going to enjoy every step of the way. As hard as it's been at times, I look back now and I'm pretty thankful for it all. So we'll see what happens.
The Captain's return to the NHL would undoubtedly inspire a bidding war between teams who'd want to roster the free agent. He has three Stanley Cups to his name and has a storied professional hockey career.
Toews only played for the Blackhawks, and has 1,067 games underneath his belt with 883 points scored(372 G, 511 A).
He could suit-up, but the way he talks it looks as if he could return in the future if he choses to.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 29 | 395 ANSWERS Former Blackhawks Captain Jonathan Toews reveals if he'll ever play in the NHL again Do you think Center Jonathan Toews will return to the NHL and play for another team than the Chicago Blackhawks? | ||
| Yes | 163 | 41.3 % |
| No | 232 | 58.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
