Fri May 30 02:50:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Jonathan Toews, the 37-year-old former Chicago Blackhawks captain, is planning a comeback to the NHL next season. After struggling with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and long COVID-19, which limited his playing time in his final two seasons with Chicago, Toews became a free agent in 2023 but never officially retired. Following a period of healing and reflection, including a trip to India and surfing in Bali, Toews has expressed a desire to return to the ice and feels he still has more to offer the game. His agent confirms he is feeling great and they are moving forward. Toews, a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Blackhawks, is looking for a chance to leave the game on his own terms.

**News Article:**

**Jonathan Toews Eyeing NHL Comeback After Health Struggles**

Jonathan Toews, the former captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, is planning a return to the NHL next season, his agent Pat Brisson confirmed Thursday. The news, first reported by Pierre LeBrun, signals a potential resurgence for the 37-year-old center after battling health issues that sidelined him in recent years.

“Yes, 100 percent. Johnny is feeling great and we’re moving forward,” Brisson told NHL.com via text.

Toews last played for the Blackhawks in April 2023, ending a tenure marked by three Stanley Cup championships (2010, 2013, 2015) and individual accolades, including the Conn Smythe Trophy (2010) and the Selke Trophy (2013). He was a pivotal force alongside Patrick Kane in the Blackhawks’ dynasty era.

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome forced him to miss the entire 2020-21 season, and lingering effects of long COVID-19 further hampered his performance in the 2022-23 season. The Blackhawks chose not to re-sign him following that season, and Toews became an unrestricted free agent.

However, Toews never officially announced his retirement. In recent months, he has been focused on his health and well-being, taking a “healing journey” to India and spending time surfing in Bali, Indonesia.

Speaking to The Athletic in March, Toews expressed his desire to return to the ice, stating, “I’m not satisfied the way things ended in Chicago… there’s something left in the tank, and I want to explore that. I want to go have fun, have a blast, play with passion.”

With 883 points in 1,067 career games with the Blackhawks, Toews aims to conclude his NHL career on his terms, showcasing the skill and leadership that made him a champion. Which team he might join remains to be seen, but hockey fans will be watching with interest as this story unfolds.

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