Blackhawks Say Toews Will Not Return To Team Next Season

CHICAGO, Ill Blackhawks. — Jonathan Toews took a few laps and waved to the crowd, who screamed, “Jonny! Jonny!” As the crowd roared, he patted his heart and held his stick.

Toews played his final game with Chicago on Thursday, capping off a hugely successful 15-year career with three Stanley Cup victories. The captain was showered with applause throughout the season finale, which the Blackhawks lost 5-4 to the Philadelphia Flyers.

“It’s almost hard to accept that love and that praise,” Toews admitted. “So I tried my best to just soak it all in.”

Earlier in the day, general manager Kyle Davidson confirmed that the organization would not re-sign Toews, who turns 35 on April 29. The center is available for free agency after agreeing to an $84 million, eight-year contract extension in July 2014.

“I think words fail to adequately summarise everything Jonathan’s done for the organization, the amazing memories he provided,” Davidson added. “He’ll be a Blackhawk forever.”

Toews, once known as “Captain Serious” — a moniker that faded as he revealed more of his personality over the years — may retire after missing a chunk of this season with symptoms of extended COVID-19 and chronic immune response syndrome. He also missed the 2020-21 season due to similar health difficulties.

Toews’ final game with the Blackhawks came against the team he faced in the 2010 Stanley Cup Final.

“The thought of playing for another team is so far in the back of my mind right now, especially after that moment,” Toews explained. “I always thought I’d retire with a Blackhawk, and part of me still does, so we’ll see.”

Toews’ final game with the Blackhawks came against the team he faced in the 2010 Stanley Cup Final when he guided the team to their first title in 49 years.

When he was announced with the starting lineup, he received tremendous, lengthy applause every time he was shown on the overhead video board. The response was amplified when Toews scored on a power play in the second period, prompting a thundering surge of applause.

Toews’ goal was his first since January 28 and his 15th of the season. In 1,067 regular-season games with Chicago, he has 372 goals and 511 assists.

“There are no hard feelings,” he stated. “I have nothing but gratitude and love for the Blackhawks.”

Chicago selected Toews with the third overall pick in the 2006 NHL Draught, marking one of the first milestones in the team’s ascension to the top of the league. In July 2008, he was only 20 years old and became the 34th captain in franchise history.

“He’s our team leader, and he’s been the leader here for a long time,” said Luke Richardson, the squad’s first-year coach. “It was always entertaining to watch him play. I was always a fan, but having the opportunity to work with him this year was incredible.”

Toews was part of a core group that helped Chicago put together the best period in organization history, including Stanley Cup victories in 2013 and 2015. In 2014, the Blackhawks reached the Western Conference finals before falling to the Los Angeles Kings in a seven-game series.

However, the franchise has recently struggled. It is one of the weakest teams in the NHL this season, but it is running for the first overall choice in the draught and a chance to draught Connor Bedard.

Blackhawks Toews’ exit follows a February transaction that sent star forward Patrick Kane to the New York Rangers.

“I’m not sure if we’re putting the past behind us. “It’s more about clearing the decks to allow for organic growth of young players into leadership roles,” Davidson explained. “Give this new generation of Blackhawks players the same opportunity that Toews, Kane, (Duncan) Keith, (Brent) Seabrook were all given when they first arrived in the league.”

Following a series of meetings, Davidson said he informed Toews of the decision last week while the club was in Seattle. The GM also stated that he had discussed the issue with CEO Danny Wirtz, the son of Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz.

“Danny and Rocky spoke with Jonathan, not about this, just to reminisce about what was lived and experienced and to show respect and share in the memories that were made together,” Davidson explained. “They must be involved when you’re moving on from someone like Jonathan Toews.” They had to be, given the player’s importance and stature.”

SOURCE – (AP)