Jonathan Toews’s healing journey: From long COVID back to the NHL

Researchers working on treatments and cures for long COVID are closely following the healing journey of newly signed Winnipeg Jets forward Jonathan Toews. Toews, a highly decorated hockey player, took a two-year hiatus from the NHL due to chronic inflammatory response syndrome, which he developed after a COVID-19 infection in early 2020.

Dr. Kieran Quinn, an internal medicine and palliative care physician at Sinai Health in Toronto, is among those researchers watching Toews’ return with great interest. Quinn, who teaches and conducts research at the University of Toronto, is looking for treatments to help long COVID patients feel better. He believes Toews’ comeback is not only inspiring for hockey fans but also for the hundreds of thousands of Canadians living with long COVID.

Toews, a native of Winnipeg, had a successful career with the Chicago Blackhawks, winning three Stanley Cups and earning numerous individual accolades. Despite his stellar career, Toews faced debilitating symptoms of long COVID, including fatigue and inflammation. He underwent alternative treatments, including a five-week Ayurveda detox program in India, to address his condition.

Now, Toews is set to make his return to professional hockey with the Winnipeg Jets for the 2025-26 season. Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff expressed excitement about having the hometown hero back on the ice. Toews, who grew up playing hockey in Winnipeg, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play for his hometown team once again.

Dr. Quinn emphasizes the importance of a gradual return to play for Toews to prevent any potential setbacks. He advises monitoring energy levels, heart rate, and overall well-being to avoid crashing due to overexertion. Dr. Angela M. Cheung, a leading long COVID researcher at the University Health Network in Toronto, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a slow and steady approach to avoid exceeding one’s physical limits.

While there is no definitive cure for long COVID, researchers like Dr. Cheung continue to explore new treatments and therapies to help patients recover. With Toews’ return to the NHL, there is hope that his journey back to the ice will serve as inspiration for others battling long COVID. Toews remains optimistic about his future in hockey, focusing on finding balance and healing both on and off the ice.