Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Toews out indefinitely with illness
The Blackhawks will be missing a third player when the season starts Jan. 13 — center Jonathan Toews, above, has an unspecified illness and will be out “indefinitely,” according to a team statement.
“This offseason, I’ve been experiencing symptoms that have left me feeling drained and lethargic,” Toews said in a statement. “I am working with doctors so I can better understand my condition.”
It’s another blow for the Hawks, who likely will be missing forwards Kirby Dach and Alex Nylander for the season.
“Until I can get my health back to a place where I feel I can perform at an elite level and help my team, I will not be joining the Blackhawks for training camp,” Toews said in the statement. “I do not have a timetable for when I will rejoin the team. I am extremely disappointed, but it wouldn’t be fair to myself or my teammates to attempt to play in my current condition.”
The Blackhawks didn’t specify the nature of their captain’s illness, calling it a “medical issue.”
During the postseason this summer, Toews’ five goals led the Hawks and he tied Patrick Kane for the team lead with nine points. During a COVID19-shortened regular season, he had 18 goals and 42 assists.
The 32-year-old veteran and three-time Stanley Cup winner has been a vocal leader in the locker room, advocating for the Hawks to keep a competitive roster before the organization acknowledged going through a rebuild. President of hockey operations Stan Bowman said Toews’ health is a top priority for the team.
“While he will not report to training camp on Jan. 3 and will be out indefinitely, we will continue to support him as he is an important part of our family,” Bowman said in the statement. “I’ve been in regular communication with Jonathan recently and will continue that as he takes care of his health.”