Chicago Blackhawks fire back at Jonathan Toews who doesn't want anything to do with the organization
Photo credit: TheHockeyNews
Jonathan Toews is gearing up for an NHL return that will not be with the Chicago Blackhawks, and it appears they don't want a reunion either.
Just a few months ago, Jonathan Toews publicly unveiled his desire to make an NHL return, and boldly revealed that it won't be with the Chicago Blackhawks.
«I honestly do think that chapter is closed,» he said. «I respect what Kyle and the organization is doing. They decided a few years ago to move in a different direction and I'm all for that. I don't think that's a fit for me anymore. I want to go somewhere and have a chance to be myself and play the game. I know my best hockey's going to come through that way, instead of trying to be in that role where I'm still living with the pressure of our Cup-winning days. That era's over.» Said Toews
Toews' unhappiness with the Blackhawks, and reasoning for crossing off a return to the organization where it all started is quite understandable. General manager Kyle Davidson purposely made it a goal to cut ties with Patrick Kane and Toews, to kick off a 'new era' of youth.
"Chicago GM Kyle Davidson wanted to cut ties with both Toews and Patrick Kane to allow the next generation of Blackhawks to flourish without living in their shadows. However Blackhawks fans feel about that decision, Toews understands it." Mark Lazerus stated
Toews is reportedly '100% committed' to returning to play next season, Pierre LeBrun reported in the shadows of the former Blackhawks agent just weeks ago.
The former Blackhawks captain will certainly draw a ton of interest on the free agent market, starting with the Winnipeg Jets, his hometown team.
Earlier in the NHL season, the Jets' GM publicly revealed his willingness to offer Toews a fresh start in Winnipeg if he decides to lace them back up.
According to Chicago Sun Times reporter Ben Pope, the Blackhawks have once again shut the door on any potential reports of a Toews reunion.
'The Blackhawks have moved on', said the Blackhawks' team reporter, Pope.
The Hawks' former captain will draw some interest on the free-agent market, at least as teams perform due diligence on what he believes he can offer. The Blackhawks have moved on, but a team like his hometown Jets could be a good fit. But there's still a long way to go before he plays in a game.
Toews has recently turned 37, and it will be interesting to see if he can keep up to the NHL's current pace, led by youthful talents such as Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 3 | 474 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks fire back at Jonathan Toews who doesn't want anything to do with the organization Will 37-year old Jonathan Toews be able to keep up with todays fast NHL pace when he makes his NHL return? | ||
| Yes | 170 | 35.9 % |
| Maybe | 181 | 38.2 % |
| No way | 123 | 25.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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