(Chicago) Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews announced Sunday that he has been suffering from symptoms of long-term COVID-19 and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Toews hasn’t played since Jan. 28. The Blackhawks placed their captain’s name on the injured reserve Wednesday for what they said was an illness unrelated to COVID-19.
“It’s been really difficult playing with these symptoms,” Toews said in a team statement. Over the past few weeks, I’ve reached a point where I had no option but to take a step back and focus on my health. I want to thank my teammates, the coaching staff and the entire Blackhawks organization for their patience and support. »
Toews missed the 2020-21 season with what he described as chronic fatigue syndrome.
The 34-year-old has played his entire career with the Blackhawks, winning three Stanley Cups. Toews could become a free agent this summer.
“We’re going to work with him and support him in whatever he needs to feel better and come back strong in the lineup,” said general manager Kyle Davidson. We’ll take it one day at a time, hoping he can get in a few games by the end of the season. »
Asked about trading his captain by the March 3 trade deadline, Davidson said he wasn’t thinking about it.
“We’re trying to help him get back into shape,” Davidson said. The rest is secondary. »
Toews had 12 goals and 25 assists in 71 games when he returned to action last season. This season he has 14 goals and 14 assists in 46 games.