Jonathan Toews opens up about ...

This season signaled the conclusion of an era for the Chicago Blackhawks, and possibly the end of captain Jonathan Toews' career.

On Tuesday, Toews spoke out about his future for the first time in months, less than two weeks after it was revealed the 34-year-old was considering retirement due to lengthy COVID symptoms and chronic immune response syndrome.

"Regardless of what happens this summer," Toews told reporters, "it's definitely on my mind that this could be my last few weeks here in Chicago as a Blackhawk."

"So that's definitely very important for me to just go out there, enjoy the game, soak it in, and just really appreciate everything I've been able to be a part of here in Chicago — and also show my appreciation to the fans."

Toews, the Blackhawks' longest-tenured player, hasn't played since late January and has only appeared in 46 games this season, netting 14 goals and contributing 14 assists. Due to persistent immune response syndrome, he missed the full 2020-21 season.

"You can't really explain it because people won't get it," Toews explained. "It's not like a knee or shoulder injury where you lie down and get an MRI and your evidence is right there. It's been one of those complex situations. Even for me, figuring out what's going on has been difficult at times."

Since being drafted third overall in 2006, Toews has spent his entire career in Chicago, winning three Stanley Cups and garnering six All-Star choices as well as a Conn Smythe and Selke Trophy.

The Winnipeg native, who is in the final year of an eight-year, $84-million deal inked in July 2014, is still expecting to return before Chicago's season ends on April 13, but his playing status beyond that remains uncertain.

"Obviously, it's not easy to just get back into game conditioning on a whim, and we only have a handful of games left in the season, so it's been tough to watch the changes that our team has gone through," Toews told reporters.

"Today was my first day back with the team, and even though it's only a morning skate, it's an adjustment, so maybe a few more days like that will be good, and we'll see." Regardless, I wouldn't say to anticipate much, but I'm just going to go out there and have some fun with enthusiasm, so we'll see when that is."

Toews reflects on Patrick Kane trade

With the hopes of landing the first overall pick in this summer’s draft where the Blackhawks would select generational talent Connor Bedard, it didn't come as a surprise to see Patrick Kane dealt to the New York Rangers ahead of the trade deadline. But it was still a jarring reality for Kane's long-time running mate.

"I was definitely shocked," Toews said. "The possibility was there for a while, but you're like 'yeah, it's not actually going to happen'— you just can't see a guy like him in another jersey. Then all of a sudden you see him in a New York Rangers jersey... it kinda looks good on him to be honest with you, I hate to say that, but just happy to see him enjoy himself playing with some really good players.

"Kane is such a competitor it's going to feel good for him to go out there and play what should be some meaningful games in the playoffs and play on the big stage, and obviously that team they have Patrick Kane so they're feeling pretty good about themselves right now."