Blackhawks: Don’t be surprised if Jonathan Toews asks for a trade
Don’t be too surprised if Jonathan Toews asks for a trade from the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Chicago Blackhawks have made absolutely no sense over the last few weeks. The thing that hurts the most is that they are not bringing back Corey Crawford for next season after his contract expired. Now he went to the New Jersey Devils on a cheap two-year deal and will likely flourish playing over there in Newark. They followed it up by making a few trades and signings that make it feel like they are trying to win.
How can you try and win if the only guy in net who gives you a chance is now gone? Not only was Corey Crawford a top-ten goalie last season but he is one of the most well-liked and well-respected guys in the Chicago room. It is well documented that he is a big part of that locker room and looked up to by his teammates.
Now, a guy like Jonathan Toews has spoken out about it. To be clear real quick, we are talking about Jonathan Toews. This guy has almost never spoken out about anything the team has done as far as transactions but he finally did. He told The Athletic that he didn’t know any of this was coming. He didn’t think that they were rebuilding which is the vibe that letting Corey Crawford go sends. It also doesn’t make sense to make some of the trades or signings they have after letting Crawford go so you have to imagine that Toews is really upset.
This is a guy who has the nickname “Captain Serious” for a reason. He is obsessed with winning and he knows that letting go of Crawford in favor of one of the young guys isn’t how you do that. Unless they make a move for another goalie, don’t expect them to play very well next season. That has to make Toews think about asking for a trade.
Hot. Is Stan Bowman starting a Chicago Blackhawks rebuild?. light
If Toews asks for a trade, that would be a monumental deal for the Hawks. This is a guy who will get a statue on the United Center’s property because of what he means to the organization. Toews asking for a trade would really show the disconnect that exists within those walls. If they are going to try and retool this team, they better make sure their star players are in on it otherwise they are going to want out.