Jonathan Toews informed teammates of the actual reason he's leaving the Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks announced last week that they will not be re-signing captain and long-time forward Jonathan Toews, making him an unrestricted free agent on July 1st.
Toews got a proper send off on Thursday night against the Philadelphia Flyers, who just so happened to be the team Chicago defeated in 2010 to win their first Stanley Cup since 1961. The Blackhawks lost in overtime, but Toews scored one final goal in front of the United Center faithful and spoke to the crowd post-game, thanking them for their support throughout the years.
During the team's season-ending media availability, Blackhawks forward MacKenzie Entwistle revealed to reporters on how Toews told the team that he won't be returning to Chicago next season.
Toews made a huge impact on the Blackhawks organization and will forever be remembered as one of the best players and leaders in franchise history, among the likes of Stan Mikita, Bobby Hull, Patrick Kane, among others. He led the team to three Stanley Cups and sits sixth all-time in franchise history for points (883) and fifth in games played (1,067).
It's unclear what the future holds for Jonathan Toews. He missed time this season dealing with symptoms relating to long Covid chronic immune response syndrome, the same issues that caused him to sit out the entire 2020-21 campaign. It will be interesting to keep an eye on him this summer and to see which teams may look to ink him to a contract after July 1st.
MacKenzie Entwistle said Jonathan Toews told the guys in Seattle that the Blackhawks wouldn't be re-signing him. Nothing formal, just casual talks with teammates in the meal room.� Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) April 14, 2023
| POLL | ||
Where do you think Toews will end up next season? | ||
| Winnipeg | 126 | 22 % |
| Edmonton | 63 | 11 % |
| Retired | 311 | 54.2 % |
| See Results | 74 | 12.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
