February 25th was an evening where the hockey community united in a grand celebration honoring Chris Chelios. The evening was filled with family & friends, notable figures, and countless celebrities including Brent Seabrook, Marian Hossa, Duncan Keith, Patrick Sharp, Wayne Gretzky, Eddie Vedder, Dennis Rodman which added a hint of glamour to the event, yet one absence was noticed which left fans puzzled with speculations.
A key highlight from the evening was the retirement of Chelios' jersey, Patrick Kanes comeback at the United Center, and Cindy Crawford's goal during the Shoot-The-Puck segment.
Despite the countless celebrities, the crowd felt the absence of Toews. Toews has been prioritizing his health by taking a step back from being active in his NHL career, but still remains engaged. Recently Toews made a video appearance for North Dakota University Hockey, which showcased a buoyant and optimistic presence.
There has been speculation on Jonathan Toews return to the NHL, with fans hoping for a comeback, but also the reality of how unpredictable a sports career is. The hockey community still holds their breath on any news in regards to Toews future with the NHL.