Chicago Blackhawks legend Jonathan Toews shares positive update on his health

Jonathan Toews has not been seen or heard from much since his final game at the United Center back in April of 2023.

The rare times you have heard from the Chicago Blackhawks' legendary captain, he looks like a man who has retired without officially announcing it.

His latest update could pave the way for a return to the ice or might just be a more comfortable way of going through his days after hockey.

The captain of the three Stanley Cup-winning teams last decade became a shell of himself at the end of his time in Chicago after dealing with long COVID and chronic immune response syndrome.

Those health issues caused him to take off the 2020-21 season. He was able to make it back and play in the 2021-22 season and the 2022-23 season. He produced some of his worst numbers in those final two seasons with the Blackhawks.

He also missed some time in both seasons because of those health problems.

The team announced in April 2023 that they would be moving on from their long-time captain after his contract expired. Toews responded by saying he would take off the 2023-24 season to address his health issues.

Since then, he has barely shown his face in public.

He was not at long-time teammate and fellow Hawks legend Patrick Kane's first game back at United Center as a member of the Detroit Red Wings last season. It was the same night that the Hawks honored another team legend, Chris Chelios, by retiring his No. 7.

Toews recorded a message for his alma mater, North Dakota, and has done a few autograph signings. Otherwise, he has completely dropped off the map besides sharing some images of him surfing and going to Burning Man on Instagram.

Turning into a fun-loving hipster was not exactly what anyone would have on their bingo card when it comes to Jonathan Toews' post-NHL career. He played the game with such passion, determination, and aggression. Now, he is embracing alternative medicine.

That is not a knock on him for acting like the Dude in The Big Lebowski. Toews' health became a huge concern toward the end of his Blackhawks' tenure. It makes sense he would seek out any potential beneficial treatments to live out the rest of his life comfortably.

Who knows, maybe this is what he needs to get back on the ice since Toews has never officially filed his retirement papers. Although, it would be nice for him to officially retire. That way, his career narrative plays out the only way it should--being a lifetime Blackhawk.