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Stefan Tonev
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Blackhawks captain Toews steps away due to long COVID-19 symptoms
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The Chicago center has not played since Jan. 28

Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews has decided to temporarily step away from the ice as he is dealing with symptoms of long COVID-19 and chronic immune response syndrome.

“It has been really challenging to play through these symptoms,” Toews said in a statement released by the team.

“In the last few weeks, it has reached the point where I had no choice but to step back and concentrate on getting healthy. I am thankful for the patience and support of my teammates, the coaching staff, and the entire Blackhawks organization.”

The 34-year-old Toews missed the 2020-21 campaign due to chronic immune response syndrome before returning last year. This season, Toews scored 14 goals and added 14 assists in 46 games for the Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks center, however, has not played since Jan. 28. He will now focus on his health and recovery in the upcoming weeks.

The Blackhawks expressed their support for Toews’ decision.

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson told reporters that the organization will help Toews throughout his recovery. There is still optimism that Toews could return later in the season.

“We know this has been a real difficult period for him,” Davidson said. “We miss him being around the team and we want to get him back around the team and on the ice.”