Blackhawks to part ways with longtime captain
Nearly two months after trading franchise stalwart Patrick Kane to the New York Rangers, the Chicago Blackhawks announced they would not be re-signing captain Jonathan Toews, ending his 15-year run with the organization.
Toews is a six-time NHL All-Star, winning three Stanley Cups, two Olympic gold medals, a World Cup of Hockey gold medal, a Conn Smythe award and a Selke Trophy.
“I think words fail to adequately summarize everything that Jonathan has done for the organization, the amazing memories he’s provided; he’ll be a Blackhawk forever,” Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said, via Blackhawks Talk. “He’s one of the greatest players in team history, his generation and some of his milestones and his accomplishments will be extremely difficult to match. Wherever he goes, and wherever he plays next, he’ll be a Blackhawk forever.”
The move doesn’t come as much of a surprise. After all, Kane told Mark Lazerus of The Athletic last summer that he had no interest in being a part of a rebuild.
While Kane was shipped to New York in exchange for a conditional second-round pick that could become a first and a fourth-round pick, Toews rode it out as Chicago limped to a 28-49-6 record and last-place finish in the Central Division.
At 34, the door isn’t completely shut on Toews playing elsewhere next season. However, his days as a top-line center are likely behind him. Toews’ 30 points are just seven behind his career-low set last season, and his 14 goals are the second-fewest of his career, though he’s missed 29 games this season.
Toews would make a solid addition for a Stanley Cup contender in need of a strong, two-way forward.
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