Jonathan Toews stepping away from NHL to focus on health - ESPN

Jonathan Toews says he is stepping away from hockey — but not for good.

The former Chicago Blackhawks captain — and current unrestricted free agent — announced in a social media post Thursday that while he's «not fully retiring» from the NHL, he will be «taking some time away from the game again this season.»

«I cannot deny my love for the game of hockey and still feel the passion for competing at my highest level,» Toews posted on Instagram. «However, these last few seasons have been very difficult considering my health challenges. My focus is to give myself the time and space to fully heal and enjoy life to the fullest once again.»

A post shared by Jonathan Toews (@jonathantoews)

Toews, 35, was limited to just 53 games last season — producing 15 goals and 31 points — because of deteriorating health midway through the season. At the time, Toews said he had «no choice but to step back and concentrate on getting healthy» in the final season of his eight-year, $84 million contract.

That raised questions about Toews' future in Chicago — or elsewhere — in seasons to come. Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson didn't wait long after Chicago's season ended in April to confirm Toews' deal would not be renewed, making him a UFA on July 1.

Toews had spent the entirety of his 15 NHL seasons with the Blackhawks after they drafted him third overall in 2006. He served as the team's captain from 2008 to 2023 and was part of three Stanley Cup championship runs in 2010, 2013 and 2015. He leaves the organization with 372 goals and 883 points in 1067 career games.

He was still one of the league's premier centers when, in late December 2020, Chicago revealed its captain would be out indefinitely while dealing with an undisclosed