Chicago Blackhawks Jonathan Toews was elevated to the captaincy of the storied club on Friday, despite his young years. (Brian Kersey/Associated Press) Chicago Blackhawks announced Friday that centre Jonathan Toews will serve as the team's captain for the 2008-09 season, making him the third-youngest captain in NHL history.
Only Pittsburgh Penguins centre Sidney Crosby and Tampa Bay Lightning centre Vincent Lecavalier, both while 19, became captains at a younger age than the 20-year-old Toews, who will be heading into just his second season in the Windy City.
"Jonathan deserves this honour," said Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon. "He is a tremendous individual and a wonderful leader on and off the ice.
"He has experience in captaining teams from his world junior appearances and guys follow his lead in our locker room."
Toews led NHL rookies last season with 24 goals and seven power-play markers while ranking third with 54 points in 64 games.
The Winnipeg native was Chicago's first choice, third overall, in the 2006 NHL entry draft.
