3 Potential Blackhawks’ Captain Candidates After Jonathan Toews

Just a few years ago, the idea of the Chicago Blackhawks removing the captaincy from Jonathan Toews would’ve seemed unfathomable. While still unlikely heading into 2022-23, Toews has one year remaining on his current contract before becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer. Though, of course, he could sign an extension and remain a Blackhawk for life. A series of comments following last March’s trade deadline made some fans question whether or not he’s still the right fit for team captain as Chicago enters a rebuild.

As the Blackhawks continue prioritizing the future this offseason, it’s worth discussing what direction Chicago could go in if the club moves on from Toews next offseason or potentially even beforehand. After missing all of 2020-21 due to chronic inflammatory response syndrome, Toews returned in 2021-22 and appeared in 71 games. However, he’s years removed from his prime, and it’s certainly not a given he’ll be with the Blackhawks the next time they contend again. Here are three potential candidates for team captain if and when Chicago moves on from Toews or decides to pursue a different direction for the position.

Alex DeBrincat

It’s hard to believe it since he’s just 24, but Alex DeBrincat is one of the longest-tenured Blackhawks since he made his NHL debut in 2017-18. The club’s 2016 second-round draft pick just finished his fifth NHL season in which he posted a career-high 78 points in 82 games, with much of his success coming alongside linemates Patrick Kane and Dylan Strome. He currently has one year left on his current deal at $6.4 million before becoming a restricted free agent in 2023.

Like many fans, I’m not sold on Dach as a long-term piece just yet. However, it’s important to keep his career in perspective — he’s just 21 and was arguably rushed into the NHL back in 2019. Facing a number of injuries hasn’t helped him either. But, through more development and time, I still think it’s possible he develops into a solid two-way, middle-six forward even if he’s not the next Toews.

The pressure is on for Dach. It’ll certainly be interesting to see how the Blackhawks handle him as they rebuild, but if he eventually begins improving and meets expectations, he could be another option to take over the captaincy even if his future is a little uncertain now. Even if he hasn’t lived up to his expectations on the ice, he’s been honest about areas of improvement and has generally stayed positive about his future, according to Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times (from ‘Blackhawks’ Kirby Dach has ‘improved a lot’ with managing frustration, staying positive,’ The Chicago Sun-Times, 04/05/22). These are, of course, good traits for any leader.

Looking Forward

If I had to guess which of these three players is the likeliest to take over the captaincy after Toews, I’d say DeBrincat because of his longevity with the Blackhawks and his overall dedication. With that said, both Jones and even Dach remain intriguing choices depending on how Chicago’s rebuild goes. If one of Chicago’s prospects emerges and exceeds expectations such as 2020 first-round pick Lukas Reichel, they too could be a fit.

Time will tell what direction the Blackhawks go in post-Toews. Despite his gradual recovery after missing all of 2020-21, I don’t envision Chicago removing the “C” from Toews soon, at least for next season. However, with his contract set to expire next offseason — as well as Kane’s — analyzing potential future leadership should be a goal of Chicago’s management and coaching staff in 2022-23. That might come from outside, or the Blackhawks may already have it in DeBrincat, Jones, and/or Dach.