Jonathan Toews Announces Retirement from Professional Hockey
Three-time Stanley Cup champion Jonathan Toews has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey, ending a remarkable 16-season NHL career. Toews made the announcement on Friday at the Jonathan Toews Sportsplex in Winnipeg, where he grew up and played his last NHL season. His retirement comes one year after a successful comeback season with his hometown team, the Winnipeg Jets, following a prolonged absence caused by health issues.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Nicknamed "Captain Serious", Toews was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks with the third overall pick in the 2006 NHL entry draft. He served as the Blackhawks' captain from 2008 to 2023. Toews won the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013, and 2015, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the 2010 playoffs. He also captured the Selke Trophy in 2012-13 as the league's best defensive forward.
At the age of 38, Toews announced his retirement from Winnipeg, where he played his final NHL season. In 2025-26, he recorded 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists) in 82 games for the Jets. According to the NHL, Toews finishes with 1,149 regular-season games played and 912 points, including 383 goals and 529 assists. In 137 playoff games, he amassed 119 points (45 goals, 74 assists).
Emotional Farewell and Gratitude
Overwhelmed with emotions, Toews said, "I knew what it meant when I was a kid and growing up and being a Winnipegger all these years, but to come back and witness it first hand, being a Winnipeg Jet, it’s amazing." He added, "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream of pulling on that Jets sweater and playing in front of my hometown community, my family, my friends, all the people who supported me through the years. It meant a lot to them, and it means a lot to me."
Health Struggles and Comeback
Toews' professional career was disrupted due to health issues. In recent years, he battled chronic immune response syndrome and long COVID, which caused him to miss significant time. He undertook a healing journey to India, undergoing an Ayurvedic Panchakarma detox to address his health problems. He signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Winnipeg Jets on July 1, 2025, for the 2025-2026 season.
Olympic Success and Legacy
Toews also won two Olympic gold medals representing Canada in men's ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Tributes from the Hockey Community
Following the announcement, Chicago Blackhawks chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz praised Toews' impact on the organization, stating that his place in franchise and hockey history would be remembered for generations. Jets captain Adam Lowry said, "All of us were fortunate to grow up watching him and then play against him and then get the opportunity to play with him. ... Three Stanley Cups (with Chicago), Olympic gold, Conn Smythe. He did it all. He's a winner, he's a leader."
Indeed, Toews leaves the sport as one of the defining leaders of his generation and one of the most influential players of all time. His legacy will be forever remembered both on and off the ice.
