NEWSLETTER
Ed. Note – Our Blackhawks coverage is coming. Yup. This note again. We won’t fully launch until January with a fantastic lead writer in tow, but this was yet another bit of major news that we wanted to get out in the interim. No one expected a couple weeks like this.
Today, the Chicago Blackhawks and Jonathan Toews announced that the long-time captain and center would not be reporting to training camp next week, as he is dealing with an undisclosed medical issue. There is no timeline right now for his return, and you just have to hope it’s not serious.
Statement from Chicago Blackhawks Captain Jonathan Toews
“This offseason, I’ve been experiencing symptoms that have left me feeling drained and lethargic. 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.
I am grateful for the continuous support from and ongoing communication with the Blackhawks organization. Stan Bowman, Rocky Wirtz, Danny Wirtz, Jeremy Colliton and my teammates have been nothing but understanding of my situation, and I appreciate them standing by me.
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. 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.”
Statement from Chicago Blackhawks President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Stan Bowman
“Jonathan’s health is our top priority as he deals with this medical issue. The Chicago Blackhawks organization and our medical staff will provide all necessary resources to help him return to playing hockey. While he will not report to training camp on January 3 and will be out indefinitely, we will continue to support him as he is an important part of our family. I’ve been in regular communication with Jonathan recently and will continue that as he takes care of his health.
The health and privacy of all our players is paramount to the Chicago Blackhawks organization. We care about Jonathan, and we know how badly he wants to be with his teammates competing on the ice. We will provide further updates on his status as circumstances change and do not have a timetable for his return.”
Statement from Pat Brisson, Co-Head CAA Hockey and Toews’ Representative
“Jonathan’s health is always the priority, and we hope with time he can get back to being the competitive, high-level athlete Blackhawks fans know. The support of Stan Bowman and the Chicago Blackhawks has been outstanding, and it is something both Jonathan and I appreciate. I will work closely with Jonathan and the Blackhawks to ensure he is getting everything he needs to return to the ice.”
Captain Jonathan Toews will not join the team for training camp while dealing with medical issue; no timetable set for return.#Blackhawks https://t.co/6YutfvyisX
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 29, 2020
This doesn’t sound like a short-term situation, and, while less important than Toews’ health, there will be substantial implications for the Blackhawks in the season ahead. More on that soon.
