Researchers focusing on treatments and solutions for long-lasting effects of COVID-19 are closely monitoring the recovery journey of newly signed Winnipeg Jets player, Jonathan Toews, as he returns to the NHL after a two-year absence.
Dr. Kieran Quinn, an internal medicine and palliative care specialist at Sinai Health in Toronto, expressed his excitement about Toews’s comeback. Dr. Quinn, who is also involved in research at the University of Toronto to find ways to improve the well-being of long COVID patients, emphasized the significance of Toews’s return for individuals grappling with the condition across Canada.
Toews, a highly accomplished hockey player, took a break from professional hockey in December 2020 due to a health issue later revealed to be chronic inflammatory response syndrome linked to a COVID-19 infection in early 2020. Despite missing the entire 2021 NHL season due to lingering symptoms of long COVID, he made a brief return before stepping away again in August 2023 to prioritize his health, including undergoing a detox program in India.
The “Captain Serious” is set to make his comeback with the Winnipeg Jets for the 2025-26 season after signing a one-year deal. Born in Winnipeg and having played youth hockey in the city, Toews’s return to his hometown has generated excitement among Jets fans and management.
Although specific details of Toews’s medical condition remain undisclosed, his symptoms align with those commonly seen in long COVID cases. Dr. Quinn highlighted the persistence of long COVID among millions of Canadians and expressed hope that Toews’s journey can inspire others facing similar challenges.
Statistics Canada reported that by June 2023, about 12% of adults in Canada experienced prolonged COVID-19 symptoms, affecting approximately 3.5 million individuals. Dr. Quinn emphasized the importance of exploring alternative treatments and maintaining realistic expectations for Toews’s gradual return to professional hockey to prevent setbacks.
Dr. Angela M. Cheung, a clinician scientist at Toronto’s University Health Network, emphasized the ongoing search for effective treatments and potential cures for long COVID, acknowledging the complexities of the condition and the need for improved diagnosis and care approaches.
As Toews prepares to reenter the NHL arena, he remains pragmatic about the obstacles ahead, emphasizing the importance of finding balance and learning from his experiences to move forward positively in both his personal and professional life.