Jonathan Toews Reaching HUGE Milestone Tonight in Florida

The years before captain serious made his debut, the Hawks franchise was nothing to write home about. The team was down, the attendance was down and hockey in Chicago was pretty much nonexistent. Getting a natural born leader like Toews brought hope to the franchise almost immediately and he became the poster boy of the Hawks. Just a few years into the Toews era, playoff hockey made its return to Chicago.

The loss to Detroit did nothing but put a chip on Toews' shoulder and taught him valuable lessons he utilized throughout his career. Leading the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cups in six years has to be one of most dominant runs in recent NHL history. His skill set is valuable both on and off the ice. He's one of those guys that people call «a pro's pro».

There's never off ice drama or anything negative. He always shows up to work and gets the job done to the best of his ability. I would go as far to say that without Toews running the locker room,

Patrick Kane wouldn't have ever settled down in his younger years. The Kane and Toews era is something that Chicago will never forget. Not only is Toews a three time Stanley Cup winner but he's also a 5x all star, Conn Smythe winner, Selke Trophy winner, Mark Messier award for leadership winner to go along with two gold medals in the Olympics for Canada where he was named best forward in 2010. Clearly his accomplishments speak for themselves. Jonathan Toews will be the last Blackhawk to ever wear the number 19, no doubt about it.

He's the most decorated captain in franchise history and will have a statue outside of the United Center in the future. After the health scare he went through last year, the silver stick he gets tomorrow will just be the icing on top. Even as his production dwindles, he's still the glue that holds the team together. He's a leader that expects the best from everyone on the team and a true captain. In conclusion, for many Hawks fans now a days Jonathan Toews is the only captain they know. It's been an honor to watch him bring the Blackhawks to the top and bring championships to the city of Chicago. Congratulations on 1000 games captain.

Blackhawks Nation Joey Nelson