On This Date In Chicago Blackhawks History- A Captain Is Drafted

May 7, 2013; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks forward

(19) looks on against the Minnesota Wild during the second period in game four of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

On this date in Chicago Blackhawks history,

On June 24, 2006 the Chicago Blackhawks drafted Jonathan Toews with the 3rd selection of the 1st round.  Luckily, the St. Louis Blues were in need of a defenseman as they took Erik Johnson with the first pick.  The second pick was Jordan Staal by the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Chicago sports teams have had some great luck with the 3rd pick (see statue outside of the United Center wearing #23) and the Blackhawks in the midst of one of the worst eras in their team history started turning the corner with the selection of Toews.

Toews made his debut in 2007 and has played in 408 regular season games since  scoring 167 goals 205 assists 372 points and a +115.  He’s won a Stanley Cup, Conn Smythe Trophy and recently added a Selke Trophy.  Toews has played in 74 playoff games collecting 19 goals 43 assists 62 points and a +6.  He’s the heart and soul of the franchise and can do it all from winning faceoffs to scoring to passing to running practices during the lockout.

In 2008, Toews became the third  youngest Captain in NHL history at the age of 20 when he was named Captain and the nickname soon followed Captain Serious.  In 2010 he led the Chicago Blackhawks to their first Stanley Cup in 49 seasons.  Now on the anniversary of his draft day by the Hawks, Toews has the Hawks one win away from a second career Stanley Cup.

An interesting side note is that Michael Frolik was selected 7 spots later than Toews by the Florida Panthers with the 10th pick of the draft.

What is your favorite memory of the Captain? Seven years ago today the Blackhawks made one of their best picks in team history by picking #19!

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