Making The Case For Toews To Stay In Chicago

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Jared
September 13, 2022 (10:19)

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There is no denying the fact that this offseason has been exhausting for Blackhawks fans. From constant trade rumors, saying goodbye to fan favorites, and drafting exciting young prospects, this offseason has taken its toll. With the team fully poised to enter a rebuild, the future of Toews and Kane is on everyone's minds. Many fans want them to stay, but some of the fanbase also want the Blackhawks to move on. With the future uncertain, I think Jonathan Toews is an important piece of the puzzle, and here is why.

Over his Blackhawks tenure, Toews has grown up before our very eyes. He went from a quiet rookie being constantly pranked by Patrick Sharp and Adam Burish to a grizzly, playoff tested, outspoken Captain of a prior modern-day dynasty. His voice carries a big weight in the locker room, which speaks volumes to how big of a piece he is to the Blackhawks.

With the departure of Alex DeBrincat, Kirby Dach, and others, the Blackhawks will have plenty of opportunities for younger players to make the leap to the NHL. No matter how talented the prospects are, there needs to be a leader in the locker room who has been there before. Someone who has sat there and felt just as uncomfortable as the rookies will feel during the season. Toews is the perfect guy to do that.

Another reason Toews needs to stay is to help the development of Lukas Reichel and Frank Nazar. While it will be a few years before Nazar is ready to make the leap, having a proven center like Toews around to help out at prospect and developmental camps will allow the young centerman the opportunity to pick up on how Toews plays the game, the same game that earned him a spot in the NHL top 100 players list. Reichel will more than likely be at the NHL level to start the season, so having Toews around to teach him would be an added bonus for Reichel and the franchise.

Toews needs to retire a Blackhawk. He is closing in on 500 career assists and 900 career points. Toews deserves to reach those career milestones with the franchise that drafted him and benefitted tremendously from his play and sustained success. It's too early to let Toews ride off into the sunset with another franchise.