Toews out indefinitely with illness
Keeping an eye on the world of sports during the pandemic:
The Blackhawks will be missing a thirdplayerwhenthe season starts Jan. 13 — center JonathanToews, above, hasan unspecified illness andwill 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 amworking with doctors so I can better understandmy condition.”
It’s another blow for the Hawks, wholikely willbemissing forwards Kirby Dach and AlexNylander 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 forwhenI will rejoin theteam. Iamextremelydisappointed, but itwouldn’t be fair tomyself or my teammates to attempt to play in my current condition.”
TheBlackhawksdidn’t specify the nature of their captain’s illness, calling it a “medical issue.”
During the postseason this summer, Toews’ five goals led theHawks 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.
The32- year- old veteranand three- timeStanleyCupwinner 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 willbe out indefinitely, we will continue to support him as he is an important part of our family,” Bowman said in the statement. “I’vebeenin regular communicationwithJonathan recentlyandwill continue that as he takes care of his health.”
“Football is our game. Our job is winning. We intend to do our job. We intend to prepare with that mindset. And ultimately lead us to that destination. We’re not seeking comfort.”
— Steelers coachMikeTomlin on resting starting quarterback BenRoethlisberger for the final game of the regular season.