CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews announced Sunday that he has been suffering from long-lasting symptoms of COVID-19 and chronic immune response syndrome.
Toews hasn’t played since Jan. 28. The Blackhawks placed the 34-year-old center on injured reserve Wednesday with what they called an illness unrelated to COVID-19.
“It’s been really difficult to play through these symptoms,” Toews said in a team statement. “Over the past few weeks I have reached a point where I had no choice but to take a step back and focus on my health. I am grateful for the patience and support of my teammates, the coaching staff and the entire Blackhawks organization.”
Toews missed the 2020-21 season with what he described as chronic immune response syndrome.
Toews has spent his entire career in Chicago, winning three Stanley Cup titles. But he is eligible for free agency after this season.
He had 12 goals and 25 assists in 71 games when he returned to action last year, and he had looked stronger this season. He has 14 goals and 14 assists in 46 games with the bottom-ranked Blackhawks.
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AP NHL: www.apnews.com/hub/NHL and www.twitter.com/AP_Sports
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