Blackhawks' Toews Could Be Healthy Enough To Return Next Season

Chicago IL

22 April, 2021

6:24 PM

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CHICAGO — The status of Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews' health has remained a bit of a mystery all season, but the veteran mainstay may be well enough to return to the ice next season, according to a national report Wednesday night. NBC Sports Network hockey insider Darren Dreger reported that Toews is very likely done for the season but could be in position to rejoin the Hawks in the future if his condition continues to move in the right direction. Toews, who turns 33 next week, has missed the entire season with an unknown illness that left him feeling "drained and lethargic." The team has not discussed Toews' status in many settings this season with Hawks officials remaining optimistic that the captain could return sometime down the road. Dreger, who made the announcement during the first intermission of Wednesday night's come-from-behind victory over Nashville, indicated things appear to be looking up for Toews. "The good news is that his health is getting better," Dreger said during the broadcast. "As long as he stays headed in the right direction, he should be healthy and ready to return to the Blackhawks next season. It has been a very challenging year for (him)." In his statement in December, Toews – who has won three Stanley Cup championships in Chicago – said he was disappointed to be away from the team, but added "it wouldn't be fair to myself or my teammates to attempt to play in my current condition." Toews appeared in a tribute video for teammate Patrick Kane on the occasion of Kane's 1,000th career game. The video on March 9 showed Toews recording a message, wishing Kane well on a milestone he said he could be there to celebrate with his long-time teammate. "See you soon, man," Toews said in the video. The Hawks have only nine games remaining in the season and will need a serious end-of-the-year push to make the playoffs while battling Nashville and Dallas for the final spot in the Western Conference. In January, general manager Stan Bowman told The Athletic that Toews hasn't felt normal for "a bit" and that it is difficult to put a definite timeline on his return. I'm more concerned about just getting him back to feeling like himself. That's my focus right now. I've had some great conversations with him, totally supportive, and hopeful," Bowman told The Athletic. "I do think this is something that he's going to be able to get help with and get to feeling better. Timeline? I don't really know I don't speculate on that and I don't really try to gameplan that. I just take it as it comes." In March, Bowman said that he has communicated with Toews on a limited basis and that he seems to be in good spirits and has a desire to return to the ice at some point. "I'm in the same category as everyone — we want him to be feeling great, not only to help our team but to be back to himself," Bowman said. "And I don't think he's quite there yet, but hopefully he will be soon."