Since Jonathan Toews's return from being diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), fans have been wondering whether or not he still has ‘it' anymore. With 37 points (12G, 25A) in 71 games last season, this was a new career-low for him.
As the Hawks enter their rebuild, they're straying further away from the «One Goal» era with each passing day. The future of the organization will need leaders in the locker room and on the ice, but it's possible that Kyle Davidson might take his chances with Patrick Kane alone.
As sad as it would be to see one of the last members of the cup runs left take his leave, drastic change needs to happen before we see the Hawks turn back into cup contenders. Toews leaving will free up a lot of room in the salary cap, giving Davidson the opportunity to sign younger, less expensive players. The more cap room he has to work with, the more fans will see of potential rising stars.
Growing up watching the cup runs was something I'll remember forever, but there hasn't been the same passion on the team since then. Despite the feeling of nostalgia flowing through the veins of fans whenever Toews would score, there isn't much left for him to offer the team. «Captain Serious» leaving would truly signify the end of the era, and would begin a new chapter in Chicago Blackhawks history.
