Jonathan Toews thanked the Chicago Blackhawks and fans in a letter posted to Instagram on Thursday, months after his lengthy tenure with the club ended.

"It's hard to find words to describe the 16-year journey that has made this city my home," Toews wrote.

"Aside from winning three Stanley Cups, the parades, and the countless memories made with my teammates, what is most special to me was feeling a true connection to the people of this city. To Blackhawks fans, It was surreal to witness and be a part of the revival of hockey in Chicago. There was nothing like the roar of the Madhouse when we scored a big goal to tie it or win it late in a game.

"As players, we tried to reciprocate that heart and soul energy we felt from you. I honestly believe it's what made us so tough to beat in the later games of a playoff series. You are the best fans in the world, and I'm so thankful we shared so many special moments together."

Toews hit the open market upon the expiration of the eight-year, $84-million contract he signed with the Blackhawks in 2014. The organization told its longtime captain in April that it wouldn't re-sign him with the team rebuilding.

The 35-year-old received an emotional farewell during his final home game at the United Center to close out the regular season.

Health issues severely impacted Toews' recent seasons. He missed the entire 2020-21 campaign while dealing with chronic immune response syndrome and symptoms of long COVID. The same symptoms forced him to sit out two months in 2022-23.

Toews detailed his illness in March, saying it got to the point that he didn't want to "roll out of bed to come to the rink."

It's unclear if Toews will find a new team or retire. He posted 31 points in 53 games last season while averaging nearly 18 minutes per contest.

But his reputation as a future Hall of Famer will likely have more influence on potential suitors than his recent production. Toews captained Chicago to three championships and won the Conn Smythe in 2010 and the Selke Trophy in 2013. He was named one of the 100 greatest players in NHL history during the 2017-18 campaign.

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