Jets’ Jonathan Toews shares a sobering take on his body by letting it go
Jonathan Toews returned to the NHL after a full two-year absence from competition. He plays center for Winnipeg Jets and he began rather inconspicuously. The former Chicago Blackhawks captain has played four games for the Jets and has just one assist.
However, Toews is still getting used to NHL competition while playing for his hometown team. The 37-year-old Toews played 15 seasons with the Blackhawks before deciding to retire.
He recently sat down for an interview with Elliotte Friedman of Canada’s TSN and explained it he exerted so much pressure on himself over the years that it had cut into his body’s ability to function.
“I think my body just gave up on me because I was carrying so much every day,” Toews said. “That inner critic was so strong. I had to get away from everything and listen to myself and my body. I wanted to feel the freedom to be able to choose what I wanted to do. It was really healthy for me.”
Toews got a new way of dealing with NHL pressure
Toews was able to release the pressure that weighed on him during his two full years away from the game. However, he never would have returned to the NHL and signed with the Jets if he hadn’t changed his perspective. He says he’s learned how to take the pressure off the rink
“I wouldn’t be here now if I didn’t have a new level of patience,” Toews said. “It helps keep the gas tank full.”
The Jets have been one of the best regular season teams in the NHL, but have failed to advance past the second round of the playoffs in recent years. If Toews can recapture some of his previous form — he scored 372 goals and 884 career points — his presence could help the Jets make the postseason.
Steve Silverman has covered the NFL for more than 35 years, and his writing has appeared in ESPN Magazine, Bleacher Report, CBS Sports, Pro Football Weekly and Forbes.com. He has written 10 books, including “Who’s Better, Who’s the Best in the NFL.”
2025-10-19 00:16:00
