Jonathan Toews' opening press conference in Winnipeg draws major concern
Photo credit: John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP
It's official, former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is returning to the NHL, and will be joining the Winnipeg Jets, as he and Kevin Cheveldayoff remain excited for future prospects, but fans remain concerned.
Jonathan Toews last played an NHL game during the 2023 season, where he stepped away from the game to focus on his health. He'd give himself time to explore the issues that were troubling him.
He wouldn't find a means of managing his health issues (CIRS and Long Covid) until much, much later. Though it was thought he'd announce his retirement, after finding ways of regaining control of his health through unconventional methods, he floated the idea of a return.
He'd undergo treatment via unconventional methods:
«an Ayurvedic detox called a Panchakarma»
Which would eventually see him return to skating after his trip to India to find a new healing method. Since then, he's been skating in Arizona, preparing for the time when he'd be ready to lace up the skates again professionally.
Now, here we are, 2 years after his absence, and he's signed with the Winnipeg Jets, another Central Division team the Blackhawks play on a regular basis.
The 37-year-old forward is aware of the challenges ahead despite a chorus of concerns from fans and pundits alike.
When asked about the ability to maintain his endurance to play a full 60 minutes on the ice, especially keeping up with both teammates and opponents:
«In my mind, I had kind of accepted in a way that I might not play again. I think that was a challenging thing to do, but at the same time, a very healthy thing to do.»
Toews would add:
«I still have the hands, the feet will catch up. Things have slowly gotten better since. I'm really happy about where I'm at.»
It sounds like he may be NHL-ready, but his skating may leave much to be desired after being off the ice for so long.
This could be an issue if the Jets cannot find a way to control for the variables on the team, like Toews's lack of wheels at the moment.
He's only started to skate again in February, so Jets fans do have cause for concern if he truly doesn't improve his game by the time the regular season begins.
In the meantime, we're happy to see him put on the uniform for another season, even if it isn't the Blackhawks.
Previously on HawksInsider
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 5 | 225 ANSWERS Jonathan Toews' opening press conference in Winnipeg draws major concern Do you think forward Jonathan Toews, a Winnipeg Jet, will have an issue adjusting to the NHL ice again? | ||
| Yes | 76 | 33.8 % |
| No | 149 | 66.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
