Ex-Blackhawks fan favorite Jonathan Toews opens up about mental health struggles and more with Friedman
Photo credit: NHL.com
Former Chicago Blackhawks fan favorite Jonathan Toews broke his silence as to why he spent years away from the NHL in a new interview with Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman.
The former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews signed a one-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets during the offseason, with the 2025-26 season marking his return after missing over a year of action.
Toews had to step away for health reasons, but little did fans know, it was also about his mental health.
Jonathan Toews Unfiltered: The Former Hawks Captain Reveals Exactly Why He Left The NHL
He started by revealing what happened when he realized he had to take a break:
"I think after my last game in Chicago that season, I decided to take some time away from hockey. I missed on that breakaway, almost a fluke that it didn't go in.
Not scoring that goal, whether it was a sign or not, I held on to the meaning that I had unfinished business. In some way, shape, or form, I was going to come back and play at some point."
Not scoring that goal, whether it was a sign or not, I held on to the meaning that I had unfinished business. In some way, shape, or form, I was going to come back and play at some point."
Then, he talked about his body "quitting on him" because he was mentally exhausted:
"I think my body just finally quit on me because I was carrying so much every day, and that inner critic was so strong.
I had to get away from it all, listen to myself, and listen to my body. I just wanted to feel the freedom to choose what I wanted to do and honor that inner process. That was really healthy for me."
I had to get away from it all, listen to myself, and listen to my body. I just wanted to feel the freedom to choose what I wanted to do and honor that inner process. That was really healthy for me."
Without his new way of thinking and living, the player wouldn't be where he's at right now:
"I wouldn't be here right now if I didn't have a whole new level of patience and awareness. Being in that place really helps the gas tank stay full. I think the way I used to operate was more about making yourself miserable, or at least putting up with misery, until you accomplished the goal."
Listen to the full interview here:
Toews looks much better than he did, and Jets fans are hoping he will be able to play a significant role this season to help the team win.
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