Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews will not return to the team next season, ending a hugely successful run that includes three Stanley Cup championships in 15 seasons.
General manager Kyle Davidson said Thursday that the team will not re-sign his longtime center, who will turn 35 on April 29.
He is eligible for free agency after agreeing to an eight-year $84 million contract extension in July 2014.
“I think words fail to adequately summarize everything Jonathan has done for the organization, the great memories he has given,” Davidson said. “He will forever be a Blackhawk.”
Chicago hosted Philadelphia in the season finale on Thursday night. Toews won his first championship when the Blackhawks defeated the Flyers in the 2010 Stanley Cup Final.
The Blackhawks announced they would not re-sign Captain Jonathan Toews for next year
He heard loud, prolonged cheers as he was introduced to the starting lineup, and each time he was shown on the overhead video board.
The reception reached another level when Toews scored a power play goal in the second period, which led to thunderous applause.
It was Toews’ first goal since January 28 and number 15 of the season. He has 372 goals and 511 assists in 1,067 regular season games – all with Chicago.
Once nicknamed “Captain Serious” — a reputation that faded as he showed more of his personality over the years — Toews may decide to retire after missing part of this season with what he described as symptoms of long-term COVID-19 and chronic immune response syndrome. He also missed the 2020-21 season due to those same health issues.
“I don’t really have an answer right now,” he said Monday. “I’m just trying to enjoy the last few days of the season here with this group and not think too far ahead.”
Davidson said he thinks Toews will play next season. “But that’s a conversation for him,” the GM said.
Toews was selected by Chicago with the No. 3 pick in the 2006 draft, one of the first markers in the team’s rise to the top of the NHL. He was only 20 years old when he became the 34th captain in team history in July 2008.
He is currently the second longest captain in the NHL – surpassed only by Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Toews scored a goal in the game against the Flyers, his last for the Chicago home fans
He celebrated with the team as fans roared in approval at the United Center
“He’s definitely our team leader and he’s been the leader here for a long time,” said freshman coach Luke Richardson. It was always fun to watch him play. I was always a fan, but to get the chance to work with him this year was absolutely amazing.”
Toews was part of a core group that helped Chicago put together the best play in franchise history by winning the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013 and 2015. The Blackhawks also made the Western Conference Finals in 2014, losing in 2014 from the Los Angeles Kings. an epic series of seven games.
But the franchise has been going through some rough times lately. It’s one of the worst teams in the NHL this year, in the mix for the No. 1 overall pick in the draft and a chance to get Connor Bedard.
Toews’ departure comes in the wake of a February trade that saw star forward Patrick Kane shipped to the New York Rangers.
“I don’t know if it necessarily means leaving the past behind us. It’s more to clear the deck to some extent to allow for the organic growth of young players into leadership roles,” Davidson said.
Toews is the second longest captain in the NHL – behind Sidney Crosby of Pittsburgh
“Give this new era of Blackhawks player the same opportunity that Toews, Kane, (Duncan) Keith, (Brent) Seabrook, they were all presented when they came into the league.”
After a series of conversations, Davidson said he told Toews about the decision while the team was in Seattle last week. The GM also said he spoke with CEO Danny Wirtz, the son of Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz, about the move.
“Danny and Rocky spoke to Jonathan, not about this, just to reminisce about what had been lived and experienced and to show that respect and share in the memories made together,” Davidson said.
“So when you leave someone like Jonathan Toews, they have to be involved. It has to be, given the status and stature of the player.’