Todd Welter of BlackHawk up made his case to why Toews should consider hanging up his skates once and for all

It’s been several months since Blackhawk fans and the rest of the NHL had seen former Blackhawks superstar Jonathan Toews Either on social media or around the NHL, but one reporter feels that it’s time for Toews to officially retire.

After his final game with the Blackhawks and the standing ovation he received with many tears in many fans eyes, Toews told the world that he was taking this season off to help recover his health from long COVID-19. The illness shortened his season by 53 games, and he limped off from his career as his health issues continued to plague him.

He is still an unrestricted free agent who announced after the 2023 season that he was taking this season off to focus on his health. Long COVID wiped out his 2020-21 season and limited him to 53 games in 2022-23.

Welter goes on to explain how Toews has accomplished everything an NHL player could do including three Stanley cups, A Conn Smythe trophy, a Selke, and a Messier award. He will likely be a lock for the hockey Hall of Fame when it’s his turn to be ushered in.

It was hard watching Toews finish out the remaining two years of his deal with the Blackhawks. It was gut-wrenching to see the franchise announce they were moving on, but it made sense. Now, it makes sense for Toews to continue enjoying life away from hockey.
It’s certainly a compelling case and it’s quite likely that Toews will not play for another team even if he is able to play. It’s likely that he has played his last game and feels not ready to announce to the world that he is retiring from the NHL.

But there will come a day where he will make that announcement in all of Chicago will enjoy the ceremony and watch his number head up into the rafters of the United Center.