Jonathan Toews Makes Major Career Decision After 16 NHL Seasons
Jonathan Toews spent 15 seasons in Chicago playing for the Blackhawks and returned to the NHL after a three-year hiatus, spending last season with the Winnipeg Jets.
As a member of the Blackhawks, Toews became one of the youngest captains in league history and went on to lead the franchise to three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013 and 2015.
Toews' 2010 postseason run earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy after he scored 29 points, helping the Blackhawks end their 49-year championship drought.
On Friday, Toews officially brought his NHL career to a close after 16 seasons, ending one of the most decorated runs of his generation.
The longtime face of the Blackhawks made the announcement following a final season with the Jets, his hometown team, with whom he scored 29 points, appearing in all 82 regular-season games.
Toews's decision puts an end to a career that spanned 1,149 regular-season games and included 137 playoff appearances. He scored 912 regular-season points to go with 119 points in the playoffs.
"I have to say I'm satisfied; I'm fulfilled," Toews said. "I'm so thankful and grateful for the career I had."
Jonathan Toews has announced his retirement from the @NHL after 1,149 regular-season games played.
— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) June 19, 2026
From Winnipeg, Manitoba, Jonathan played collegiate hockey with the University of North Dakota beginning in the 2005-06 season. The @NHLBlackhawks selected Jonathan with the third… pic.twitter.com/pJMubUOzGe
The 38-year-old acknowledged that while he believes he can keep playing hockey, the demands of the NHL level are too much for him.
"At this point, it's one thing to be healthy and to have the hunger," Toews said. "There's no doubt in my mind that I have the skillset to continue to play at this level and be an offensive player the way I know I can.
"But it's just come to the point where it's taken such a toll, I'm just kind of ready to let the stress level go down."
Internationally, Toews represented Canada while succeeding at it, winning Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014, along with a World Championship in 2007 and a World Cup title in 2016.
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This story was originally published June 20, 2026 at 7:00 AM.