TOEWS EMERGES TO HONOR KANE
Jonathan Toews made his first public appearance Tuesday since last season, albeit not live or in person.
The Blackhawks posted a 24-second video Toews recorded in which he congratulated longtime teammate Patrick Kane on his 1,000th career NHL game, one of numerous videos by various hockey greats saluting Kane.
“You’ve hit a few milestones lately, but this is a big one,” Toews said in the video. “I hope you enjoy it with the boys [and] your family. I’m proud of you, buddy. It’s been a special ride to be a part of it since Day 1, since we were rookies.
“Wish I was there to celebrate with you. See you soon, man.”
Toews hasn’t played a game this season since taking a medical leave of absence in December, stating at the time that he was experiencing symptoms that left him “feeling drained and lethargic.” He hadn’t made an appearance since — not even at the Hawks’ home opener in January, when numerous other injured players were present.
Despite scores of rumors about Toews’ possible condition, Hawks general manager Stan Bowman said in February that the team did not have any “additional information that we’re holding back.”
Kane also was asked about Toews before the game Tuesday, saying they’ve spoken with each other “quite a bit” this season.
“He’s always been one of the first ones to congratulate me or check in on a team, whatever it might be, throughout the year,” Kane said. “We wish he was here, no doubt. He’s a great player, great leader, just a big presence to have around for the team and in the locker room.
“Sometimes things are a little bit more important than hockey, and you have to be feeling right. We just reiterate that we wish him the best, and hopefully he’ll be back soon. But let him take care of himself first.”
“I’M PROUD OF YOU, BUDDY. IT’S BEEN A SPECIAL RIDE TO BE A PART OF IT SINCE DAY 1, SINCE WE WERE ROOKIES.” JONATHAN TOEWS