Jonathan Toews: Chicago’s Class Act
How come everyone thinks they are a Blackhawks expert all of a sudden? Anyways, here is commentor DC Blackhawks’ take on whether the Hawks overpaid for Toews. Enjoy!
With the recent blockbuster signings of the Blackhawks future and the criticisms of over paying, I primarily refute the idea that the Hawks overpaid for Captain Jonathan Toews. This may be surprising since it’s seemingly easier to refute this outcry over Kane (a likely 100-point per season guy at the rate he’s going) and Keith (a likely annual Norris Trophy finalist for NHL’s top defenseman at the rate he’s going).
Toews (aka Tazer, Captain Serious, Captain Marvel, etc), while being the youngest captain (age 21) in the NHL, is without a doubt the man to lead the Hawks into years of greatness. For example, here is an excerpt of his response to a question at yesterday’s press conference when asked about the Hawks amidst the Chicago Sports Landscape.
“Chicago is great sports city and everyone wants their team to win, so a lot of people ask me if I’m a White Sox fan or a Cubs fan but I tell them I just enjoy watching these teams play and get to meet some of these athletes. For some to say we’re back on the map and how people love coming to Hawks’ games … come up to me and say how exciting it is to people who aren’t typically hockey fans, is huge for us. It’s a great sports city and to get that notoriety compared to the more traditional sports here in the U.S. like baseball, is great.”
Although a captain in most team sports is a figurative appointment, in hockey,the captain is the only one allowed to speak to the referee on the ice. Regardless, Toews is truly the heart and soul of this team. In a recent SI profile from a few months ago, Toews was anointed Captain Serious, because he wore his emotions on his sleeve; when “his” team lost he often put it on himself and kicked himself over the outcome, only feeling comfortable grieving. He has lightened up a bit and will even crack a joke now and then, but his presence on this team is crucial. Take for instance that the Hawks struggled mightily when Toews missed a few games with a concussion, and upon his return to the lineup the team rattled off 8 straight shooting them to the top of the western conference. And don’t forget he can play a little hockey. Despite a slow start on the points sheet this year after leading the team in goals last year, Toews already is a legitimate first-line center in the league, he’s winning 60% of face-offs (4th best in the NHL), and is a team leading +11. At 21, his maturity, leadership, and skill set are well beyond his years. Now that he will be around for at least 5 more years, there’s no way that C is coming off his sweater as he continues to make Chicago proud.
Tune in Tonight at 730pm against the Nashville “why do they have a hockey team” Predators as the Hawks go for 9 in a row at the UC.
Tune in Saturday at 630pm as the Hawks visit the defending Cup champs, Sid the Kid, and Pittsburgh.
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Comments
Comment from DC Blackhawks
Time December 4, 2009 at 2:08 pm
There’s a lot more I could have said, esp about Steve Y who happends to be one of Toew’s biggest proponents.
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Comment from StevieY19
Time December 4, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Completely agree. It’s not just the number and the ‘C’ at such a young age that reminds me of a young Yzerman. Can’t believe they managed to sign all three of those guys, but it’s not surprising they were willing to do whatever it takes.