What Happened to Jonathan Bryan Toews?
Jonathan Toews, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and former captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, officially retired from the NHL on June 19, 2026, after a distinguished 16-season career. His final season was played with his hometown Winnipeg Jets in 2025-26, marking a comeback after a two-year hiatus due to long COVID and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome.
Quick Answer
Jonathan Toews officially announced his retirement from the National Hockey League on June 19, 2026, at the age of 38. After a storied career primarily with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he won three Stanley Cups, Toews took a two-year break (2023-2025) to battle long COVID and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. He made a remarkable comeback for the 2025-26 season, playing all 82 games with his hometown Winnipeg Jets before deciding to conclude his playing career.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Drafted by Chicago Blackhawks
Jonathan Toews was selected third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL Entry Draft.
Named Blackhawks Captain
At just 20 years old, Toews was named captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, becoming one of the youngest captains in NHL history.
Wins First Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy
Toews led the Blackhawks to their first Stanley Cup in 49 years and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
Wins Second Stanley Cup and Frank J. Selke Trophy
Toews captained the Blackhawks to their second Stanley Cup in four seasons and won the Frank J. Selke Trophy for best defensive forward.
Wins Third Stanley Cup and Mark Messier Leadership Award
Toews secured his third Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks and also received the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award.
Announces Indefinite Leave Due to Illness
Toews announced he would miss the start of the 2020-21 season due to an undisclosed illness, later revealed as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and long COVID.
Plays Final Game as a Blackhawk
Jonathan Toews played his last game for the Chicago Blackhawks, as the team announced they would not re-sign him after his contract expired.
Announces Sitting Out 2023-24 Season
Toews announced he would not retire but would sit out the 2023-24 season to focus on his health and recovery from CIRS and long COVID.
Undergoes Ayurvedic Detox in India
Toews shared on Instagram that he spent five weeks in India undergoing a Panchakarma, an Ayurvedic detox, as part of his healing journey for immune system issues.
Confirms Intention to Return for 2025-26 Season
Toews confirmed in an interview with The Athletic his intention to return to the NHL for the 2025-26 season, but not with the Blackhawks.
Signs with Winnipeg Jets
Toews signed a one-year contract with his hometown Winnipeg Jets, marking his return to the NHL after a two-year absence.
Plays First Game for Winnipeg Jets
Toews made his debut for the Winnipeg Jets, playing his first NHL game since April 2023, and was greeted with loud cheers from fans.
Completes 2025-26 Season with Jets
Toews played all 82 games for the Winnipeg Jets in the 2025-26 season, recording 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists).
Announces Retirement from NHL
Jonathan Toews officially announced his retirement from the National Hockey League at a press conference in Winnipeg, concluding his 16-season career.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Jonathan Toews, born April 29, 1988, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, carved out an illustrious career in the National Hockey League, primarily as the long-standing captain of the Chicago Blackhawks. Drafted third overall in 2006, Toews quickly established himself as a dominant two-way center, earning the nickname 'Captain Serious' for his intense focus and leadership. He led the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015, also securing the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2010 and the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward in 2013.
Towards the latter part of his career, Toews faced significant health challenges. In December 2020, he announced an indefinite leave from the Blackhawks due to an undisclosed illness, later revealed to be Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and symptoms of long COVID, which caused him to miss the entire 2020-21 season. He returned for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons with Chicago, but his health issues persisted, leading to another extended absence. In April 2023, the Blackhawks announced they would not re-sign him, and in August 2023, Toews confirmed he would sit out the 2023-24 season to focus on his recovery, emphasizing he was not retiring.
His 'healing journey' included a five-week Ayurvedic detox called Panchakarma in India in late 2024, as he sought alternative treatments for his inflammatory and immune system issues. This period of intense focus on his well-being ultimately paved the way for a remarkable comeback. In March 2025, Toews expressed his intention to return for the 2025-26 season, and on June 20, 2025, he signed a one-year, incentive-laden contract with his hometown Winnipeg Jets.
Toews successfully completed the 2025-26 season with the Jets, playing in all 82 regular-season games and recording 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists). His perseverance earned him a nomination for the 2026 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. Despite a successful return, Toews announced his official retirement from the NHL on June 19, 2026, at a press conference held at the Jonathan Toews Sportsplex in Winnipeg. He cited the physical and mental toll of the game, acknowledging that while he still possessed the skillset, he was ready to let go of the stress. He retires as one of the most decorated players of his generation, a member of the Triple Gold Club, and a surefire Hockey Hall of Famer.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Jonathan Bryan Toews made different choices?