Jonathan Toews said he doesn't plan on retiring, but he will be "taking time away from the game this season."
The 35-year old center, who had played the past 16 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, posted about his playing future on Instagram on Thursday.
"I'd like to announce that I am not fully retiring, but I am taking time away from the game this season," said Toews. "I cannont deny my love for the game of hockey and still feel the passion for competing at my highest level."
The former Blackhawk had 15 goals and 16 assists in 53 games last season. He announced on Feb. 21 that he intended to step away from the game in order to deal with the effects of long COVID-19 and Chronic Immune Response Syndrome, which kept him out of action the entire 2020-21 season.
He returned in a 6-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils on April 1.
Toews' post on the social media platform came shortly after he posted a message thanking the city of Chicago.
"To the Blackhawks fans, it was surreal to witness and be a part of the revival of hockey in Chicago. There was nothing like the roar of the Madhouse when we scored a big goal to tie it or win it late in a game. As players, we tried to reciprocate that heart and soul energy we felt from you. I honestly believe it's what made us so tough to beat in later games of a playoff series. You are the best fans in the world, and I'm so thankful we shared so many special moments together."
Toews also went on to thank the Blackhawks organization and his teammates, finishing with, "To all of you I say, THANK YOU. You made my time in Chicago unforgettable."
This agent Pat Brisson told NHL.com in July that Toews would be "taking his time" regarding his future in the NHL.
The former No. 3 pick in the 2006 NHL Draft, ranks fifth in games played, sixth in goals and points, and eighth in assists in Blackhawks history.
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