Jonathan Toews set to take ice for last time with Blackhawks, fans reflect on championship dynasty

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Blackhawks will part ways with longtime captain and three-time Stanley Cup champion Jonathan Toews, GM Kyle Davidson announced Thursday.

Thursday night's game was Toews' final game with the team, after 17 years and more than 1,000 games played.

In a statement, Davidson said, "I've had a number of conversations with Jonathan throughout the season about his future with the Blackhawks and recently, we had the difficult conversation that we won't be re-signing him this offseason. Tonight will be his final game as a Blackhawk, and it was very important to us to be able to provide the proper send off for Jonathan and our fans. He has done so much for this organization, and no matter where he plays next, we're excited our fans get the chance to show Jonathan exactly how much he means to them."

It's the final departure from the Blackhawks dynasty that won Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013 and 2015.

Toews, 34, has battled health issues this season and played 52 games, scoring 14 goals and 16 assists. He missed the entire 2020-21 season while he battled a chronic immune response syndrome.

"He's obviously one of the handful of most important and significant Chicago athletes of the last 30 or 40 years," ESPN 1000 radio host Carmen DeFalco said.

The Blackhawks drafted Toews with the third overall pick in the 2006 NHL Draft. He made his Blackhawks debut alongside Patrick Kane in 2007-2008.

Toews quickly became the team captain and helped lead the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013 and 2015. As part of the team's 2010 Cup win, Toews won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP. He also won the Frank Selke Trophy in 2013 as the NHL's best defensive forward.

In 15 seasons with the Blackhawks, Toews has scored 371 goals and 511 assists.

Toews took time Thursday to show his appreciation for the fans, signing autographs while leaving practice at the United Center.

"Johnny, Kaner, they've been my heroes," season ticket holder Mark Wineberg said. "It's touching because it's an era. It's an end of an era."

Hawks fans all over the city today remembered the great times that happened at the United Center with Toews on the ice.

"It's very disappointing, but I know the team is in a rebuilding phase and we had 3 Stanley Cups, which is a lot more than most people have had," Blackhawks fan Chris McGuire said.

Palace Grill, 1408 W Madison St, has been a mainstay for many Hawks fans throughout the years celebrating the success that Toews helped lead the team to.

Palace Grill owner George Lemperis reminisced on the good times the captain brought to this city.

"Bittersweet day for the city of Chicago," Lemperis said. "Really happy for Toews for what he's accomplished. Three Stanley cups, two gold medals, all star games... I mean Jonathan Toews is a class act, wonderful man."

It's not clear if Toews will be retiring or joining a new team, but fans are hopeful this current rebuild will lead to brighter days ahead. And tonight, they watched their captain take the ice for the final time at 7:30 p.m. against the Philadelphia Flyers.