Jonathan Toews shares uncensored feelings on facing the Blackhawks on Thursday
Photo credit: NHL.com
In a recent interview, Winnipeg Jets forward Jonathan Toews shared his true feelings on facing the Chicago Blackhawks for the first time tonight.
The Chicago Blackhawks will be in Winnipeg tonight to face the Jets.
For the first time ever, he will play against the Blackhawks, the team that drafted him 3rd overall in 2006.
The player shared his thoughts on many interesting topics, including the Blackhawks, in a new interview.
Jonathan Toews Opens Up On Many Topics, Including The Blackhawks, In Interview Ahead Of His First Matchup Against His Former Team
Toews confided in Hawks reporter Mark Lazerus of The Athletic in an exhaustive interview ahead of his first game against the Blackhawks since he left the organization.
Here's what he had to say about leaving the Blackhawks and deciding to join the Jets during the offseason:
"There's definitely - I don't know if prestige is the right word, but it's pretty cool to be that guy that ultimately was a cornerstone of a team his entire career. That's something you take pride in.
But it's pro sports, right? You've got to do what you've got to do for your career sometimes, and go where the opportunities are. It's nice to be the guy who didn't switch sides. There's an aspect of that in my mind. But it is what it is. The Hawks wanted to move on. It was probably best for me, too."
But it's pro sports, right? You've got to do what you've got to do for your career sometimes, and go where the opportunities are. It's nice to be the guy who didn't switch sides. There's an aspect of that in my mind. But it is what it is. The Hawks wanted to move on. It was probably best for me, too."
About his integration in Winnipeg, he mentioned that the transition wasn't an easy one, but everyone on his new team made him feel welcome:
"You're in a whole new ecosystem with different guys and different staff. So you just slowly find your way."
"I couldn't have imagined a better reception from the people here. I think they're really proud and happy to have one of their own playing for the Jets. It's a wild thing - after being in Chicago all those years, after a while, Chicago feels small. But it was easy to forget how small Winnipeg really is, and how everyone pretty much knows each other."
"I couldn't have imagined a better reception from the people here. I think they're really proud and happy to have one of their own playing for the Jets. It's a wild thing - after being in Chicago all those years, after a while, Chicago feels small. But it was easy to forget how small Winnipeg really is, and how everyone pretty much knows each other."
Then, he discussed the Blackhawks. He shared what he feels when he watches the Blackhawks' games, and what he thinks of the team's current edition:
"I've been watching them a lot on TV and it's strange - it does feel like a completely different team. They're just wearing the same jerseys."
"They've been fun to watch - they have a lot of good, young talent," Toews told The Athletic on Monday. "I think Kyle (Davidson) and Norm (Maciver) have a pretty good idea of where the team has come from and what we've lacked as far as replenishing the team with draft picks. And now they have a good idea where the team is headed. There's no guarantees, but it looks like some of the young picks are going to turn into good players."
"They've been fun to watch - they have a lot of good, young talent," Toews told The Athletic on Monday. "I think Kyle (Davidson) and Norm (Maciver) have a pretty good idea of where the team has come from and what we've lacked as far as replenishing the team with draft picks. And now they have a good idea where the team is headed. There's no guarantees, but it looks like some of the young picks are going to turn into good players."
Toews, 37, has scored five points in 10 games so far this season. Although he still doesn't produce at full speed, he feels confident in his game and is ready to face the Blackhawks tonight:
"I've always been pretty confident that my game is in there. I watch hockey and I can still see things that I did well, and things that I understood about the game - things that a lot of young players with tons of skill and tons of energy, flying all over the ice, still have to learn. I had confidence I could go in and contribute. But a little fear, a little doubt will creep in once in a while. In a way, it's a good motivating factor, to keep you grounded."
"I'll be ready, that's for sure."
"I'll be ready, that's for sure."
Emotions will be high during the game, but the young Hawks core will need to be on the lookout for Toews, who'll likely be even more motivated to win than usual.
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