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Blackhawks centre Toews becomes third-youngest captain in NHL history

The Canadian Press

2008-07-18 21:50:00

CHICAGO - The Chicago Blackhawks announced Friday that centre Jonathan Toews will serve as the team's captain for the 2008-09 season, making him the third-youngest captain in NHL history.

Only Pittsburgh Penguins centre Sidney Crosby and Tampa Bay Lightning centre Vincent Lecavalier, both while still 19, became captains at a younger age than the 20-year-old Toews.

"Jonathan deserves this honour," said Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon. "He is a tremendous individual and a wonderful leader on and off the ice. He has experience in captaining teams from his world junior appearances and guys follow his lead in our locker room."

Toews led NHL rookies last season with 24 goals and seven power-play markers while ranking third with 54 points in 64 games.

The Winnipeg native was Chicago's first choice, third overall, in the 2006 NHL entry draft.

COMMENTS (23)

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Johnny Boy Posted
(2009-04-30 06:37:52)



The management in Chicago making up for over paying Huet. Toews is a smart, capable young player with an excellent pedigree and he just oozes poise. Additionally he just naturally is a leader, as is evident by his performances at the WJ's. He even in a situation like in Chicago where there are players several years his senior, he seems like the leader. He has the presence and mentality of a leader, and that is all that really matters. When you package all of that in a young man that already has an sublime talent level, you don't need to be reminded of what kind of player, no, what kind of captain he will be.
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Troy Martinson Posted
(2009-04-30 06:37:50)



JT is an excellent choice. The Hawks resurgence will be very fun to . watch this year; I hope they get in 8th & KO the Wings in the 1st round. As far as Team Canada is concerned, chemistry will be very key for such a short tourney. I ve always thought that it shouldn't be about rewarding guys for past services or accolations but maybe putting together a couple lines with 2 guys who play together regularily (Spezza, Heatley & Getz) or players who are just red hot during selection time (Vinny, Iggy & Morrow Sid, Nash & E.Staal Big Joe, Roy & JT). No Shortage of good d-men to throw in the mix & with Lou in net should be Golden
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Shane Hockin Posted
(2009-04-30 06:37:50)



Are you kidding? How many times has naming a captain that young worked? Once. And Toews is no Sydney Crosby. The whole captain thing set Lecavalier back several years, and his situation was more the norm than Crosby. Let the poor kid just be a hockey player for a few years. There are better qualified captains that the team will respect better than a kid only in his second year. He's a great player and will one day be Yzermanesque, but he's not there yet.
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Felix MacLean Posted
(2009-04-30 06:37:46)



Etienne: I agree with your assessment of Team Canada's management. I couldn't believe they didn't pick Sidney Crosby for the Torino team. Considering the hockey talent Canada possesses, the national squad should always be a power at any international tournament. What amazes me is that Gretzky, the absolute epitome of finesse hockey, will stock a team with bruisers. It's like he's trying to throw bone-crunching checks vicariously.
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Flyerfan52 Posted
(2009-04-30 06:37:36)



I have no doubt he'll be a good captain even though he's young. As previously mentioned, Steve Y. and Bob Clarke were both captains at a young age. Mike Richards will soon follow in their footsteps. Only thing is, I don't recall Toews captaining Team Canada. In 2007, when he won gold with them, I think the captain was Kristoffer Letang.
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vandy Posted
(2009-04-30 06:37:35)



I know where the doubts are coming from because he is so young, but even during the 1st or 2nd month of last year, the organization was abuzz with talk that he would be the next captain. Then at the trade deadline, they traded marty lapointe, who was our quasi-captian alternate for a few years. At that point, they had pretty much given him the captaincy.
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Michael Mera Posted
(2009-04-30 06:37:32)



Being a Pittsburgh guy, I now have a new 2nd favorite team. The Chicago Blackhawks. Once the new ownership has settled in, they have done a great job handling this organization. Lots of youth and tons of upside. (Kinda like the Pens). With the West getting older by the minute I'm gonna enjoy the Hawks taking it to the Red Wings!
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Vince Posted
(2009-04-30 06:37:31)



This kid is great but I don't know if I agree in making him captain after just one season. I'm sure he will become a great captain but I'm my opinion this is just a little quick and I feel that there are other players like Sharp who would be a better pick currently. I hope Toews continues to impress like he did last year though. I can't wait till the Winter Classic!
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Josh Sandler Posted
(2009-04-30 06:37:29)



This is absolutely a good call. The Hawks have been appointing over-paid and underperforming veterans that have established themselves elsewhere as captains for years now, only to see that strategy lead them just short of the playoffs time and time again. Naming Toews captain signifies the organization's investment in the new generation of talent, not the one that has already passed them by. Toews is an Yzerman waiting to happen.
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Dave Posted
(2009-04-30 06:37:29)



Not so surprising when you consider no player has been with this team for more than 3 years. Still, you have to pay your dues, so Sharp shouldn't have been overlooked.
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