Jonathan Toews placed on injured reserve

À DAY

Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews has missed his team's last five games, and his name was finally put on the injured reserve on Wednesday night.

The 34-year-old striker is said to be battling a virus that is not related to COVID-19. He hasn't played since Jan. 28, and the circumstances of his absence remain unclear, even to head coach Luke Richardson.

Toews is also at the center of several exit rumours, including the eight-year contract with an average annual value of $10.5 million will expire at the end of this campaign.

The Manitoban scored 14 goals and 14 assists for 28 points in 46 games this season.

With injuries to goaltender Alex Stalock and defenseman Jarred Tinordi expected to miss a week of action, the Blackhawks had no choice but to recall three players from the Rockford IceHogs for Wednesday night's game against the Maples. Toronto Leafs. Center Cole Guttman also played his first career game in the National Hockey League.

The “Hawks” will continue their Canadian tour by crossing swords with the Ottawa Senators on Friday .

Jean-Gabriel Pageau on the sidelines  

The New York Islanders have placed the name of Franco-Ontarian forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau on the list injured on Thursday.

The nature of the injury was not disclosed, the organization indicating that he was hit in the upper body. Andy Andreoff was recalled from the minor leagues to replace him.

The decision is retroactive to Saturday, when Pageau played his last game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. After missing his team's previous practice session, he was limited to very short appearances, mainly to take face-offs. He has since been dropped from the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Ottawa Senators.

Pageau has 10 goals and 29 points in 56 games so far this season. The one who also wore the colors of the Senators amassed 131 goals and 280 points during his 622 career games.