Jonathan Toews announces he'll miss all of next season and addresses rumors of retirement

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Josh Tupper
August 17, 2023 (2:20 PM)

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Last season the Chicago Blackhawks informed Jonathan Toews that the team had no plans on offering the team's captain a contract extension. The Blackhawks had decided they were moving in a new direction, one that Toews would no longer be part of. When the season ended many expected Toews to be a hotly pursued free agent, but that hasn't been the case.

When free agency opened Toews, agency sent a message to all the teams about which players were available, and Toews' name was noticeably absent. Today Toews took to Instagram to finally break his silence.

It's hard to find words to describe the 16-year journey that has made this city my home.

Aside from the 3 Stanley Cups, the parades, and the countless memories made with my teammates, what is still most special to me was feeling a true connection to the people of this city.

To Blackhawks fans, it was surreal to witness and be a part of the revival of hockey in Chicago. There was nothing like the roar of the Madhouse when we scored a big goal to tie it or win it late in a game. As players, we tried to reciprocate that heart and soul energy we felt from you. I honestly believe it's what made us so tough to beat in the later games of a playoff series. You are the best fans in the world, and I'm so thankful we shared so many special moments together.

To the Blackhawks Organization, the late Rocky, Danny and the Wirtz family, all of my coaches, GM's, athletic and equipment trainers, strength coaches, scouting staff and all those that put it all together. It is not lost on me that all the work you do behind the scenes leads to all of our success on the ice. You showed up every day to help all of us achieve our dreams and for that I am forever grateful.

To my Blackhawks teammates, I consider you all lifelong friends and brothers. We share a bond that's hard to break. Whether you reach the mountain top or not, we can all agree it's grinding through the tough moments together that we'll really miss.

To all of you I say, THANK YOU. You made my time here in Chicago unforgettable.

According to the Host of the CHGO Blackhawks podcast Jay Zawaski, this is not a retirement announcement and Toews fully intends on returning for the 2024/25 season. Toews continues to battle an immune response disorder, which forced him to miss an entire season earlier in his career. Only time will tell if Toews will be able to make a return to the ice, but if he isn't, he will go down as one of the most important players in the rebirth of the Blackhawks.