5 NHL players set to have comeback seasons in 2018-19
By Kyle McKenna
1. Jonathan Toews
The 2018-19 season will serve as one of the biggest tests in recent memory for the Chicago Blackhawks and the team’s captain, Jonathan Toews. But “Captain Serious” and the Windy City are about to make headlines for the upcoming NHL campaign.
Excluding the shortened 2012-13 lockout season, the 30-year-old recorded a career low season in 2018, while only netting 20 goals and chipping in 32 helpers for 52 points. But a more experienced, plus up and coming, Blackhawks squad should enhance the captain’s numbers.
The reality is that the Blackhawks needed to lose and miss out on the Stanley Cup Playoffs last spring for the first time since 2008, in order to re-evaluate the team’s needs and find a sense of extra motivation moving forward. It’s fair to argue that winning three Stanley Cups and more times than not having deep runs in the playoffs took a toll on Toews and the rest of the team’s veteran skaters.
Similar to other skaters and their respective teams on this list, Toews’ overall struggles last season were a blessing in disguise and a well-rested squad in Chicago will help lift the captain’s confidence entering his 12th NHL season.
A decorated skater such as Toews doesn’t just fall off of the map like he did last season without some sort of notable comeback performance, and the stage is set for the former Conn Smythe Trophy winner (2010) to silence his critics and erase his poor showing in 2018.
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It won’t take long for the 2012-13 Selke Trophy awardee to remind fans why the Hawks originally inked him to an eight-year deal, worth $84-million.