Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews has missed his team’s last five games, and his name was finally placed on the injured reserve Wednesday night.
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The 34-year-old striker is believed to be battling a virus that is unrelated to COVID-19. He hasn’t played since Jan. 28, and the circumstances of his absence remain unclear, even to head coach Luke Richardson.
Toews is also at the center of several exit rumors, his eight-year contract with an average annual value of $10.5 million expiring at the end of this campaign.
The Manitoban has scored 14 goals and 14 assists for 28 points in 46 games this season.
With injuries to goaltender Alex Stalock and defenseman Jarred Tinordi expected to miss a week of action, the Blackhawks had no choice but to recall three players from the Rockford IceHogs for Wednesday night’s game against the Maples. Toronto Leafs. Center Cole Guttman also played his first career game in the National Hockey League.
The “Hawks” will continue their Canadian tour by crossing swords with the Ottawa Senators on Friday.