Chicago Blackhawks legend announces NHL retirement after winning three Stanley Cups in 16 seasons

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS legend Jonathan Toews has announced his retirement after leading the team to three Stanley Cup victories.

The Canadian, 38, has suffered a number of health issues that forced him to miss two years of action.

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Chicago Blackhawks legend Jonathan Toews has announced his retirement from hockey Credit: AP

Toews lifted three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks Credit: AP

He has been dealing with Chronic Immune Response Syndrome, which causes severe fatigue, joint pain and brain fog.

But he joined his hometown team Winnipeg Jets for one final chapter in the sport last summer.

After a positive season that saw him score 11 goals and provide 18 assists, Toews is now calling time on his career.

Toews said in his announcement: “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.

“…And 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.”

He also touched on his incredible career with the Blackhawks, where he scored 912 points in 1,149 games.

Towes was named captain of the team in 2008 and lifted the Stanley Cup three times in 2010, 2013 and 2015.

He added: “To the fans in Chicago, what a ride. Sometimes it’s happening so fast and you don’t really have time to stop and smell the roses.

Toews announced the news in an emotional press conference this week Credit: AP

“You’re kind of on to the next thing constantly. It’s kind of what you have to do to not only survive but thrive in this League.

“Going back to Chicago for my first game back this year was definitely, it was shocking.

“I got to kind of skate around and take it all in. It was a great reminder of just how special those years were.

“It’s so cool to see what winning championships meant in that city. It just reminds me all the time that hockey’s not just a game.

“It means a lot to people. I think as a young kid you grow up really inspired to be great at what you do but obviously you want to inspire people as well.

“I think that’s the ultimate sign, that it touched a lot of people. It was really cool to see that. so, thank you.”

Tributes to Toews have already poured in wishing him well in the future.

The NHL page posted a list of his accolades and wrote: “The kind of captain every team searches for! Wishing you all the best in retirement, Jonathan Toews.”

The Blackhawks also posted a lengthy message to honour Toews.

They finished their tribute by saying: “Jonathan, on behalf of all of us here at the Chicago Blackhawks, our fans and the city of Chicago, you gave us so much to: congratulations on an extraordinary journey and a truly remarkable career. Thank you, seriously.”

And his former Stanley Cup-winning team-mate Patrick Kane, who now plays for the Detroit Red Wings, said: Congrats to this legend on retirement.

“One of the best leaders the game has seen. I could not have asked for a better teammate to come into the league with and I’m proud of all our success together over the years.”