Jonathan Toews didn't win the Calder Trophy for the NHL's rookie of the year, but it's apparent the Chicago Blackhawks hold the former UND standout in high regard.
On Friday, the Daily Herald of Chicago reported the Blackhawks will make Toews the youngest captain in the NHL next season and the third-youngest in NHL history.
Only Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh) and Vincent Lecavalier (Tampa Bay) were NHL team captains at a younger age than Toews, who turned 20 in April.
Crosby was 19 years, 9 months old last season. Lecavalier was 19 years, 11 months in 2000.
"It's a natural fit," Chicago coach Denis Savard told the Daily Herald. "Personally, when I sit down with the staff and my coaches, I know that I've got my mind made up. I don't care how young you are. He's the type of person who is going to be a great captain for us."
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Toews just completed his rookie year for Chicago. Despite missing 19 games with an injury, Toews led the league's rookies in goals with 24 and also had 30 assists.
Perhaps the statistic that best highlights Toews' performance, however, is Chicago's record with him in the lineup. The Blackhawks went 34-24-6 (.531 winning percentage) with Toews and 6-10-2 (.333) without him.
Toews was one of three finalists for the Calder Trophy, which was won by his teammate, Patrick Kane.
The Blackhawks didn't have a captain last season. Toews wore the 'A' for alternate captain in the second half of the season.
The Winnipeg native also wore the 'A' at UND as an 18-year-old sophomore. He's the youngest player at UND to wear a letter.
"There's no question that he's a natural leader," UND?coach Dave Hakstol said. "He's absolutely driven to win and goes about everything in the right way. He's a consummate professional. We saw that here from the start."
Reach Schlossman at (701) 780-1129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com .
Youngest captains in NHL history
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Name
Team
Age
Year
Sidney Crosby
Pittsburgh
19 yrs, 9 mths
2007
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Vincent Lecavalier
Tampa Bay 1
9 yrs, 11 mths
2000
Jonathan Toews
Chicago
20 yrs, 3 mths
2008
Steve Yzerman
Detroit
21 yrs, 5 mths
1986
Ryan Walter
Washington
21 yrs, 6 mths
1979
Dale Hawerchuk
Winnipeg
21 yrs, 6 mths
1984
Trevor Linden
Vancouver
21 yrs, 6 mths
1991
