[A] Player Evaluation: Jonathan Toews

Ton

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When Jonathan Toews is in the line-up, you can call him "Captain Consistency" and it would make just as much sense as the "Captain Serious" moniker. Not only is Toews a great goal scorer, leader, winner at every level, and play well in all situations, but I think we tend to forget he's only 24. In 361 games, Toews has racked up 144 goals, 180 assists for a total of 324 points and plus-87 rating.



Every year seems to have a similar outcome for Toews. As the season rolls, he rolls right along with it and just gains steam as the season progresses. I wouldn't call him a slow starter either, just someone who has the ability to consistently elevate his game as the bar continuously sets itself higher throughout a season.



[float=left]2011-12 MONTHLY PRODUCTION
  • October: 7 points, 11 games
  • November: 18 points, 14 games
  • December: 13 points, 13 games
  • January: 13 points, 12 games
  • February: 6 points, 9 games


CAREER POINT PER GAME TREND

toews-ppg-trend.png


[/float]Last year he put up three very good months in a row where he was at his peak just before suffering a concussion against the Sharks in early-February. Five games later he was sidelined for the remainder of the season until the playoffs.



His career has seen a similar trend in terms of point per game (PPG) production. In his rookie year, he produced at an average of 0.884 PPG, but throughout his career that number has steadily climbed each year at a consistent rate. That means last year was his best year in terms of production with 0.966 PPG, and if the trend continues at a similar rate it's possible that next year he can produce at just over a point per game clip.



Now that you're head is filled with numbers, go ahead and take a breather. The main point is that Toews is a game changer that continues to progress and develop into an elite hockey player. He's already captained the Blackhawks to a Stanley Cup with a Conn Smythe trophy to prove his worth, voted most valuable forward after winning the Gold medal with Team Canada, and the youngest player to enter the Triple Gold Club among countless of other achievements.



All these accomplishments, and again, he's only 24 years old. Some players with incredible ability (Jeremy Roenick anyone?) can play an entire career without holding a candle to Jonathan and his achievements. He's a winner at every level, he's got the "it" factor.



This upcoming season should be no different. Along with his ability to dominate the game offensively, Johnny will provide great stability in the face-off circle, support in the defensive zone, and patience on the penalty-kill. He's consistent in every aspect of the game, but if there is one thing he needs to work on it's health. I don't think anyone would call him injury prone, but in his short career he has averaged roughly 72 games per year and has usually missed a short string of games around the All-star break every year.



[float='right']Related Content

Player Evaluation: Brent Seabrook

Player Evaluation: Marian Hossa

Player Evaluation: Duncan Keith


[/float]Even if he misses another 10 games or so this year, the Blackhawks hope for a deep run remains on his health in the playoffs. Although he has never missed a playoff game in his entire NHL career, it would benefit him to roll his momentum into the playoffs without breaking his rhythm by missing time after the All-star break.



It's difficult to determine who Toews will play with, especially with the questions surrounding the 2nd line center position, but last year he saw great chemistry with Viktor Stalberg and of course, if Patrick Kane doesn't play center he could see a lot of time with Johnny. Hossa and Sharp both have had great stints with Toews as well, which is no surprise. I would not be surprised to see him take rookie Brandon Saad under his wing for certain stretches of the season, nor would I mind seeing Carcillo skate alongside Toews when he needs the protection. Overall he just makes everyone around him better, but that's not to take any credit away from his core of linemates either. This core feeds off one another, but Jonathan Toews will always be the catalyst, the leader, and the heart that keeps this club pumping.



PREDICTION: 76 GAMES | 36 GOALS | 42 ASSISTS | 78 POINTS | PLUS-20



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the canadian dream

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Good stuff. I literally have nothing negative to say about his game. That's rare!! He's the perfect center in my opinion. He's 100% my favorite type of player.
 

Ton

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Believe me, writing this gave me much more of an appreciation for Toews. We all know he's a great player but once you start dipping into the statistical side of his game, you see his consistency and how much he has elevated his game each year on paper. I think almost all of Chicago has a deep appreciation for Toews, but perhaps some of them don't quite realize how special he really is. Stretch out his numbers over 1000 games and this guy is a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame.



It's incredible to think his best years are still ahead of him.
 

Tater

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I agree with TCD. Can't think of one negative on the guy. Love that he is on our team.

After the teams in the mid-late 2000's, what a treat to say that.
 

Shoots_he_scores

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I've said it before, and I'll say it again here, barring any major injuries or a falling out with the front office, Jonathan Toews will be the last Blackhawk to wear the number 19. I can't begin to describe how proud I am to have a player and person of his caliber leading our organ-i-zation, he's by far my favorite player and always will be.



Oh yea, and he's a Fighting Sioux as well, icing on the cake for me.
 

the canadian dream

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I've said it before, and I'll say it again here, barring any major injuries or a falling out with the front office, Jonathan Toews will be the last Blackhawk to wear the number 19. I can't begin to describe how proud I am to have a player and person of his caliber leading our organ-i-zation, he's by far my favorite player and always will be.



Oh yea, and he's a Fighting Sioux as well, icing on the cake for me.



He should be the face of the NHL to be honest and without bias. I'm glad he isn't though. Let the fans have their Crosby and their Ovechkins etc etc. He plays the classic hockey game from end to end and carries himself the way I want my captains to carry themselves. Keep the distractions low and play the fucking game. I don't know anyone who doesn't like the guy. Not even here in Vancouver where hockey fans should probably hate him out of envy. Nothing but god words for Toews. It has to be hard to keep your ego in check when you know you are gods gift to hockey. So far Toews has done a good job at it.



He's smart as a whip also. Def will be a 19 in the rafters when he is done. Kids going to have a career in the NHL past his playing days also.
 

Ton

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He should be the face of the NHL to be honest and without bias. I'm glad he isn't though. Let the fans have their Crosby and their Ovechkins etc etc. He plays the classic hockey game from end to end and carries himself the way I want my captains to carry themselves. Keep the distractions low and play the fucking game. I don't know anyone who doesn't like the guy. Not even here in Vancouver where hockey fans should probably hate him out of envy. Nothing but god words for Toews. It has to be hard to keep your ego in check when you know you are gods gift to hockey. So far Toews has done a good job at it.



He's smart as a whip also. Def will be a 19 in the rafters when he is done. Kids going to have a career in the NHL past his playing days also.



This entire thread sounds incredibly biased from the outside looking in, I think most other fans know he's a really good player, but Blackhawks fans get the pleasure of watching him every night, I wouldn't say he's Chicago's hidden secret but he might be under appreciated around the NHL since they don't get to see how consistent he is in all areas of his game. In that aspect he might have some qualities that Lidstrom had in Detroit as far as work ethic and leadership. He'll get his number raised if he keeps improving, think about all his accomplishments in his short career. He's still only 24, and already has built a strong case compared to other Blackhawks legends. I can't see anything stopping him if he continues to play.
 

MassHavoc

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I want to have like 10000 of his babies.
 

Shantz My Pants

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The parallels to Stevie Y are uncanny.



Even down to the fact that he doesn't get as much attention because of other players (Yzerman had Lemieux, Gretzky, Messier, Jagr towards the end).
 

MassHavoc

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wait what? I only remember federov... haha. I assume you mean other players in the league overshadowing him and not on his team. Because I feel like Toews is so captain serious and silent that he get's over shadowed by players on his team. The top 2... Kane, Hoss, Even sharp. I think everyone gives him credit for the job he does, but are more vocal about the others.
 

Ton

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If Toews can be our Yzerman (3 Cups) or Trottier (6 Cups) or Sakic (2 Cups), I'd take that any day.



So far in his career I think he's going down that path, when his career is all said and done people will mention him in the same breath as the other three when you talk about complete players in all areas of the game... on and off the ice.
 

JOVE23

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My only concern with him is injuries. I hope his career projects more as a Trottier than as a Lindros, for example.
 

supraman

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If Toews can be our Yzerman (3 Cups) or Trottier (6 Cups) or Sakic (2 Cups), I'd take that any day.



So far in his career I think he's going down that path, when his career is all said and done people will mention him in the same breath as the other three when you talk about complete players in all areas of the game... on and off the ice.



I am willing to bet money JT puts his name on the cup one more time. Dunno if it will be with the hawks or not but he will win another one
 

Ton

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Toews definitely knows what's up. I think everyone can agree with this. Hopefully this time, if the Sharks plan on targeting JT's head someone else knocks Thornton or Marleau the **** out to make things even -- yes I'm still pissed about that.



What’s your personal goal for next season?

I want to be healthy. I worked really hard last summer and was ready to have the best year of my career, but there were injuries and stuff. I want to come in and be strong and healthy and make sure that I’m ready to withstand anything.



via Blackhawks Blog
 

Variable

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Yeah then all the Hawks would need is Doc Brown and his DeLorean to go back and make sure Toews didn't get hurt.
 

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