Jonathan Toews Opens Up About Health and Possible NHL Return

The 35-year-old, who battled chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) and long COVID, traveled to India and went off the radar. He took time off to prioritize recovery but remains hopeful about resuming his career.

Toews explored alternative treatments, including an Ayurvedic detox program, and he seems to be doing much better. His treatments were designed to cleanse and rejuvenate his body and mind. The priority was his general well-being and day-to-day health. If that leads to an NHL comeback, all the better.

“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 Are No Guarantees For Toews

Admitting that he’s not sure what the future holds, it’s important to note that it takes two to tango in the NHL. Toews may want to come back, but there needs to be a team willing to give him a look. At at 36 years old and a few seasons removed from playing an NHL game, it’s not clear anyone would give him more than a tryout at this stage in his career. That said, in 2022-23, he produced 31 points in 53 games with the Blackhawks. He wasn’t well, but he was productive.

Toews’ NHL career includes three Stanley Cup championships and a Conn Smythe Trophy, making him one of the most respected leaders in NHL history. If he manages to complete his comeback, it would be a remarkable chapter in an already illustrious career.