Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is endless because he is facing an undisclosed illness.
“During this off-season, I experienced symptoms that left me feeling exhausted and lethargic,” Toews said in a team statement. “I work with doctors so that I can better understand my condition.
“Until I can regain my health in a place where I feel I can perform at the elite level and help my team, I will not join the Blackhawks for training camp. I don’t have a schedule for when I will join the team. I am extremely disappointed, but it would not be fair for me or my colleagues to try to play in my current state. “
Toews thanked the coaching staff, the Blackhawks office and property for their understanding and then addressed the fans.
“For Blackhawks fans, I will continue to do everything I can to get back on the ice and get back to the game I love for the team I love,” he said. “I will not comment further at this time and will ask everyone to ask you to respect your privacy, because I am focusing on my health and recovery.”
Toews’ problem is the latest blow for a team that was already in the midst of a reconstruction project, but which lost two young players who should have been a big part of it. Now one of his veteran stars is missing.
Toews was the centerpiece of the three winning Stanley Cup teams in Chicago. The 32-year-old had 60 points in 70 games last season. He had at least 50 points each season, except for one of his 13-year career and scored the best 81 career in 2019-20.
On Monday, the Blackhawks announced that former No. 3 draft pick Kirby Dach will miss four to five months after breaking his wrist while playing for Canada at the IIHF Junior World Championships. He had surgery.
Striker Alex Nylander injured his knee in last season’s playoffs and was operated on after feeling uncomfortable skating before this season. He will be out for four to six months.
Toews, along with teammates Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, were counted on to guide the team’s younger players. However, Seabrook has its own health problems. He missed most of last season and underwent surgery on both hips and right shoulder.
It was going to be a very different team from the Blackhawks, even without injuries. Cup winning goalkeeper Corey Crawford was not resigned in the offseason. Instead, the Blackhawks give young guards Collin Delia, Malcolm Subban and Kevin Lankinen a chance. The team also changed striker Brandon Saad to Avalanche for young defender Nikita Zadorov.
Chicago finished last in the Central Division last season, but made the playoffs under the amended COVID-19 rules. The Blackhawks upset the Edmonton Oilers in the qualifying round, in which Toews led the team with seven points in four games. Chicago was then eliminated by the Vegas Golden Knights in five games.