With the announcement of the upcoming 2021-22 schedule, one key for the Chicago Blackhawks will be missing this season.

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As the Chicago Blackhawks take to the ice for the first time in 2021 on January 13th, they'll have to do so with Captain Jonathon Toews.

A statement from just about everyone on the upper payroll of the team came out yesterday saying that we won't be seeing fan-favorite Toews getting any playing time in the foreseeable future.

The only reason giving right now is that of an ongoing medical issue that they are working on trying to address. But no timetable has been set for a return either.

With no specifics from anyone makes one wonder if this could be the end for #19. Fingers crossed that this isn't the case and here's to a speedy recovery!!

Here's the Team Captain in his own words:

This offseason, I've been experiencing symptoms that have left me feeling drained and lethargic. I am working with doctors so I can better understand my condition.

Until I can get my health back to a place where I feel I can perform at an elite level and help my team, I will not be joining the Blackhawks for training camp. I do not have a timetable for when I will rejoin the team. I am extremely disappointed, but it wouldn't be fair to myself or my teammates to attempt to play in my current condition

I am grateful for the continuous support from and ongoing communication with the Blackhawks organization. Stan Bowman, Rocky Wirtz, Danny Wirtz, Jeremy Colliton and my teammates have been nothing but understanding of my situation, and I appreciate them standing by me.

To Blackhawks fans, I will continue to do whatever I can to get back on the ice and return to play the game I love for the team I love. I will not be making any further comment at this time and ask everyone to please respect my privacy as I focus on my health and recovery."

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