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Jonathan Toews injury update: Doubtful to play Saturday

By Dave Stevenson

Nov 1, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) is defended by Calgary Flames defenseman Dougie Hamilton (27) during the third period at the United Center. The Hawks won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) is defended by Calgary Flames defenseman Dougie Hamilton (27) during the third period at the United Center. The Hawks won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Blackhawks will be getting Jonathan Toews back fairly soon, but it won’t be this weekend. 

Jonathan Toews has been the heart and soul of the Chicago Blackhawks for a majority of his career. As their captain, he has led them to three Stanley Cup titles. Though Patrick Kane might get more attention due to his scoring, Toews remains arguably Chicago’s most important player.

He’s been out recently with a back injury, and while the Blackhawks have survived without him, going 2-0-1 without their captain, it hasn’t been pretty.

Toews is improving, but he is doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He hasn’t resumed skating yet after suffering the injury last week.

“I just think we want to make sure he’s ready to go when he hits the ice,” head coach Joel Quenneville said, via Chicago Sun Times. “[We’re] looking for progression there and it’s status quo. He’s starting to feel better and we’ll get a better idea when he gets on the ice.”

It’s clear the Blackhawks are playing it safe with Toews. Though they have wins over the Anaheim Ducks and Florida Panthers without him, Corey Crawford has been carrying them. It’s worth noting Chicago can’t afford to lose Toews long-term because he plays such a huge role for them.

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Quenneville trusts his captain a lot, and it shows in his ice time. As of Dec. 1, Toews is averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game. He’s the leader of both the Blackhawks’ penalty kill and power play units. Not only does Quenneville want him 100 percent healthy, an extra bit of rest would do Toews a lot of good.

The Blackhawks will be playing the New Jersey Devils on Thursday. On Saturday, they face the Flyers. Depending on how he looks when he starts skating again, Toews could be back for Sunday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets or Tuesday’s game against the Arizona Coyotes.

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