Koivu > Toews?

I thought you might be interested in reading this. For comparison sake Jonathan Toews NHL totals are (222 games 83 goals 108 assists 191 points) and Mikko Koivu (NHL totals 362 games 79 goals 176 assist 255 points). So if you break this down further, Jonathan Toews 22 has scored 191 points in 222 games in three NHL seasons, that means he scores in 8 out of 10 games he plays in. On the other side of the coin the older Mikko Koivu 27 has scored 255 points in 362 games in five NHL seasons, which means that Koivu has actually only scored in 7 out of 10 games that he plays in.

Yes, Koivu has a larger cap hit than Pavel Datsyuk, Nicklas Backstrom, Jonathan Toews and Henrik Sedin. Yes, his stats may not necessarily define him as a “superstar” type player but, then again, neither have Toews’.

In fact, Koivu has put up better numbers than Toews over the last few seasons with less talent surrounding him—something that likely was at the forefront of these discussions when comparables were involved.

What Koivu brings to the squad, however, is so much more than just numbers-based value.

The fact of the matter is that the Wild would be lost without their captain. Koivu is the cornerstone of their team at even strength, on the penalty kill and on the powerplay.

The Wild’s offense not only runs through Koivu, but their forecheck and backcheck does as well.[Wild Nation]

While I am a Wild fan I think that Jonathan Toews has a bigger upside than Koivu. If I was the general manager of the Minnesota Wild and had a chance to either have Koivu or Toews on my team I would take the younger Toews.

City to fete Stanley-Cup-winning local Jonathan Toews this Sunday

s/t Puck Daddy, Former Fighting Sioux forward Jonathan Toews will be bringing the Cup to Winnipeg. Sounds like he is going to have a lake name after him as well. I was kind of hoping he was going to bring the Stanley Cup back to Grand Forks, ND as well. However, I have heard nothing to leads me to believe that it's going to happen.

WINNIPEG - The City of Winnipeg will honour Chicago Blackhawks Captain Jonathan Toews on Sunday with an event at city hall, a parade in St. Vital and a party at Dakota Community Club.

Mayor Sam Katz will host the leader of the Stanley Cup-winning ’hawks at city hall at 11 .m. on Sunday, July 11.

A parade will then run from Ecole Christine-Lesperance to Dakota Community Club from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by a celebration at the community centre.

"It’s no secret I’m a big fan of Jonathan Toews," Katz said, calling the Conn Smythe trophy-winner a hero and a great role model.

The mayor said Premier Greg Selinger and senior Manitoba MP Vic Toews – no relation to Jonathan – will also be invited.

The Stanley Cup will be here with Toews.

Putting the wraps on the NHL season. Hawks Win, Hawks Win!!!

Another season of NHL hockey is in the books as the Chicago Blackhawks are the 2010 Stanley Cup Champions. At the beginning of the season I thought that Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks would be playing for Lord Stanley's Cup in the finals, I was half right.

Historic Choke Job

Instead of the Flyers it could have been the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals if they had not had their "historic choke job" as the Boston Bruins managed to blow a three 3-0 series lead and then finally a 3-0 game 7 lead. The Bruins finished the choke job off as they lost to the Flyers on a power play goal for too many men on the ice.

Ironic ending; maybe? With the Blackhawks finally winning their first Stanley Cup since 1961 and ending their run of futility, the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs are on long streaks of futility of their own.

So with the Blackhawks winning their first cup since 1961, there are two other original six teams that you would think would be due. The Boston Bruins have not won the cup since 1972 and the Toronto Maple Leafs last won it in 1967. Although the Flyers are not an original six team, the Philadelphia Flyers last won the Stanley Cup in 1974-1975. Ironically the year before the Flyers won their last Stanley Cup the Boston Bruins lost to the Flyers in the 1974 Stanley Cup Finals. [Complete List of Stanley Cup Winners Through History]

The improbable became reality

Who would have ever thought that the Philadelphia Flyers needed a shoot out to make the Stanley Cup playoffs by beating Marian Gaborik and the New York Rangers on April 11th 2010 2-1? One could say that the rest of the story is history or it’s historic. Depending how you look at it.

If that didn't sink in, think about it this way; you had a team that fired their head coach earlier in the season, barely got into the playoffs, they qualified on the last day of the season by winning their final game on a shootout (or by gimmick if you don’t like the shootout) and almost go on to win the Stanley Cup. That is one hell of a story line.

Stanley Cup Finals has many story lines

I have to admit that this was one of the more exciting Stanley Cup finals that I can remember for some time. There are many story lines to this season’s Stanley Cup final; Marian Hossa after going 0-2 in the Stanley Cup and playing in the last three Stanley Cup finals finally got a chance to lift Lord Stanley’s Cup above his head. The radio voice of the UMD Bulldogs Bruce Ciske called it last night on twitter as he predicted that Toews would hand the cup to Marian Hossa.

Who will Toews hand the Cup to? I say Hossa.

Wait a minute was that a goal?

The ending of Cup clinching game six was kind of anti climatic. I was watching the game, Kane shoots, no red light and the next thing you see is the Blackhawks forward ripping his helmet and gloves off and celebrating. I turned to my buddy and said, “did that go in?”

“It was kind of an awkward celebration, we were all standing around waiting for the official call,” said Hawks captain Jonathan Toews, the playoffs' leading scorer, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy. “But I don't think Patty would have thrown his gloves off like that if it hadn't gone in. He sold it pretty good, anyway.”

“I haven't seen it yet. I didn't see the goal. I saw one of their players take off across the ice like he'd won something, and I got a little [sick feeling] in the pit of my stomach,” said Philadelphia coach Peter Laviolette, who stuck with Leighton until the bitter end – and bitter it was for the Flyers, who had tied it up and forced overtime with just under four minutes left in regulation. [Read the rest of the story]

Games were close

Except for two games (games 4 and 5) this was a close series four of the six games being one goal games.

Game 1 - Chicago 6 - Philadelphia 5
Game 2 - Chicago 2 - Philadelphia 1
Game 3 - Philadelphia 4 - Chicago 3
Game 4 - Philadelphia 5 - Chicago 3
Game 5 - Chicago 7, Philadelphia 4
Game 6 - Chicago 4, Philadelphia 3

Jonathan Toews had an amazing season/year…

Here is the list of former Fighting Sioux forward Jonathan Toews accomplishments just for just this season. Can you say, "nothing short of amazing."

1) Olympic Gold Medal
2) Olympic Allstar Team
3) Conn Smythe
4) Stanley Cup

Here is some of Jonathan Toew's career accomplishments

1)2005 World U-17 Hockey Challenge
2)WJC Title (X2)
3)WCHA title (Broadmoor Cup)
4)World Championship Gold (Moscow 2007)
5)World Championship Silver (Halifax Canada 2008)
6)Olympic Gold Medal
7)Stanley Cup Title
8)Conn Smythe Trophy 2010

Stanley Cup Links

Team Toews corrals Cup Hawks' captain gets the Smythe after Kane nets the OT decider [Winnipeg Free Press]

St. Vital's favourite son awed and overjoyed at dream fulfilled [Winnipeg Free Press]

Cup tops a big year for Toews [Winnipeg Sun]

Kane ends NHL's longest Cup drought [Winnipeg Sun]

Blackhawks fans can finally rejoice [Ottawa Citizen]

Kane is able to end Chicago’s long Cup drought [Ottawa Citizen]

Hawks beat Flyers to win Stanley Cup [Chicago Tribune]

Blackhawks land in Chicago with Stanley Cup [Chicago Tribune]

Chicago captures the Cup [Boston Globe]

Blackhawks win Stanley Cup [The Globe and Mail]

Toews takes Conn Smythe trophy [The Globe and Mail]

Three times a charm for Hossa [The Globe and Mail]

Blackhawks beat Flyers in overtime, win first Stanley Cup title since 1961 [Post Gazette]

Rich Hofmann: The Flyers' effort was never in question [philly.com]

Phil Sheridan: Chicago's title was hard-earned [philly.com]

Random thoughts on Chicago Blackhawks' Stanley Cup, Toews: "I'm speechless" [Russo's Rants]

Stanley Cup victory 'surreal' [CBC]

Chicago Blackhawks Win The Stanley Cup [Kuklas Korner]

Elusive Cup blows into Windy City [Calgary Herald]

Chicago Blackhawks take first Stanley Cup in 49 years, beating Flyers 4-3 in OT [Vancouver Sun]

Captains courageous: Teams expect Toews and Richards to rise to occasion

I think the fact that both captains have been held in check during the series speaks volumes of the defensive game both teams have played. I think Jonathan Towes is going to win the Conn Smythe if the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup. Both players are sitting at minus numbers for the series Mike Richards: -6 Jonathan Toews: -4 respectively.

PHILADELPHIA — Two weeks ago, Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews was hailed as one of the NHL's best two-way players and a prime candidate for the Conn Smythe trophy as the most valuable player in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Around the same time, Flyers captain Mike Richards was touted as a modern-day Bobby Clarke for his one-goal, two-assist performance in the team's Eastern Conference clincher against Montreal, a showcase of his grit, timely scoring and playmaking.

Surprisingly, neither center has approached that level during the Cup final. Their success at changing that Wednesday night in Game 6 will be crucial in determining whether the Blackhawks leave the Wachovia Center with the Cup or the Flyers pull another Houdini act and extend this to the proverbial anything-can-happen seventh game Friday night at the United Center.

Chris Pronger hit on Jonathan Toews

Check out this hit.

Chicago Blackhawks Jonathan Toews talks to the media.

Check out that beard. As a UND alum I happy to say that Jonathan Toews is one of us, a former UND student, a Fighting Sioux. All I can say, make us proud, win the Stanley Cup and bring the cup back to Grand Forks, ND.

This time I am going to see the Stanley Cup if Toews brings the Stanley Cup to Grand Forks, ND. The Blackhawks are my pick to beat the Flyers, I can not stomach the Philadelphia Flyers winning the Stanley Cup.

Richards touches the Prince of Wales Trophy

The Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews didn't touch the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl. Mike Richards took the cup and marched off to the Flyers dressing room. The celebration was subdued as well for both captains. Just for the record; last year Sidney Crosby touched the Prince of Wales Trophy and we all know how that turned out. Just for the record I think the Blackhawks are going to win in six games.

Big, burly and beautiful to Blackhawks

You have to wonder if the opposition teams like the Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks are having nightmares of Dustin Byfuglien scoring goals against them in their sleep. The emergence of Byfuglien (8g-2a-10pts)might have something to do with playing on the line with Patrick Kane (7g-13-20pts) and Jonathan Toews (7g-16a-25pts).

CHICAGO - Here's how Dustin Byfuglien sees it: The puck always finds him when he is in the perfect position.

His Chicago Blackhawks teammates view it this way: Big Buff's easy to find when he's open because at six foot four and 257 pounds, he's hard to miss.

Whatever the reason, Byfuglien has emerged as a star for the young Blackhawks. He scored three game-winning goals during a sweep of San Jose in the Western Conference final that put Chicago in the Stanley Cup final for the first time since 1992.

Like a big tight end clawing his way through defenders to get open or a linebacker crushing a running back with a block in the open field, Byfuglien's physical play, deft touch and ability to clear space have given his team another element in its quest for the franchise's first NHL title since 1961.

Put him on the same line with the team's most recognizable and publicized young stars, 21-year-old Patrick Kane and 22-year-old captain Jonathan Toews, and Byfuglien has really blossomed. He scored one goal in each game against the Sharks.

"I'm not really on any cloud right now," said Byfuglien (pronounced BUHF'-lihn). "I'm just doing work for the kids and finishing it up. I have faith in myself and I just kept going."

Byfuglien, who had a hat trick in a victory over the Canucks in the semifinals when he took up his customary role in front of goalie Roberto Luongo, showed his versatility against the Sharks. He had the game-winner in the opener with a wrist shot from the slot after Toews won a faceoff and Kane slid him the puck.

"With those two you never know what's going to happen," Byfuglien said.

Chicago Moves on in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

I will have to admit that the Chicago Blackhawks have grown on me. I am a Bruins fan by heart and have always respected the Chicago Blackhawks. Being a Fighting Sioux hockey fan I have enjoyed watching former Fighting Sioux star Jonathan Toews playing a big role in the Blackhawks success. Toews is leading the NHL in points with during the Stanley Cup Playoffs (7g-18a-28pts) in 15 games. Toews is probably going to be the Conn Smythe Trophy if keeps up his torrid place in the finals.

At the beginning of the season I had predicted that the Bruins and the Blackhawks would be playing for the Stanley Cup Final. I guess I am half right. I would like to see another Ex-Fighting Sioux players name on the Stanley Cup.

Reality: These playoffs have a mind of their own

I thought I would include this for Fighting Sioux hockey fans, Jonathan Toews has been on a tear this season and it really has been impressive. Give me less Crosby and more Toews any day. 

Belief: Sidney Crosby is hockey's best young leader and most clutch performer.
Reality: OK, that still might be true. Nobody can take away Crosby's 2009 Stanley Cup and Olympic game-winning goal. But Jonathan Toews is making his case as hockey's best big-game player.

Toews graciously accepted his role on Team Canada's checking line during the Olympics and emerged as one of the tournament's best two-way players. He had eight points in seven Olympic games and was named to the all-tournament team. If the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup, he'll likely take home the Conn Smythe. He's on an 11-game point streak and leads playoff scorers with 23 points.

"I don't think I've ever seen him this good," teammate Patrick Kane said. "Seems like the guy is a big-time player." [read the whole story]

Toews rides a wave of optimism back to Chicago

Here is a nice story about former Fighting Sioux star and Chicago Blackhawk Jonathan Toews that was in today's Vancouver Globe and Mail.

Jonathan Toews looks remarkably alert at this moment, minutes after emerging from the Chicago Blackhawks’ triumphant charter flight home. This is the blessing of youth - and a sharp contrast to bleary-eyed teammate Patrick Sharp, who took the first turn at the microphone at Signature Flight Support, near O’Hare airport, where the team’s charter from Vancouver landed late Saturday afternoon.

One day earlier, Toews drove a stake through the hearts of the Canucks’ playoff hopes with a brilliant five-point performance. This afternoon, Toews was explaining why the team cannot take anything for granted heading into Sunday’s fifth game, a possible elimination game with Chicago ahead 3-1 in the series. Toews said all the right things: The Blackhawks will take nothing for granted. The final game is always the most difficult to win. Etc. etc. There is a reason why teammate Patrick Kane calls Toews Mr. Serious. There is an uncommon gravitas about the Blackhawks' young captain that seems oddly out of step with his age, 22.

But it doesn't take away from this stark reality: That for the second season in a row, the Blackhawks’ emerging young nucleus of players is outperforming its opposite numbers with the Canucks. Toews and Kane have done a better job of both leading and marshaling their troops than the Sedins have done on the other side; and as coach Alain Vigneault so memorably put it the other night, Roberto Luongo has been the second best goaltender in this series. Ouch.

Toews suggested Saturday that points on the score sheet seem to fascinate everyone, but it isn’t always indicative of how someone’s playing. Fair enough - although in the last three games, as he took over the playoff scoring lead, the points have been hard to ignore, 17 in all in his last seven games; 18 in 11 games at GM Place, counting the Olympics. A pretty impressive run here.

“Some nights, you’re not going to play your best and everything kinda goes in for you,” said Toews. “Obviously, (Friday) night was one of those nights where you’re around the net and everything seems to find you. Pucks are coming to you, and you get lucky. [Read the rest of the story]

Toews wants revenge against Mitchell, but only on the score board

This is what former Fighting Sioux hockey player Jonathan Toews has to say about the hit that knocked him out for a few games with a concussion last fall.

CHICAGO — Turnabout is not fair play in Jonathan Toews’ eyes.

The Chicago Blackhawks captain admits he wanted revenge against Willie Mitchell and the Vancouver Canucks after Mitchell’s open-ice check left Toews concussed — but only on the scoreboard.

He’d never wish ill will on the defenceman, who is now struggling through his own post-concussion battles.

Mitchell stepped out of the penalty box during an October contest and rocked Toews, who missed six games as a result.

A blind-side hit into the end boards from Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin has had Mitchell out of action since mid-January.

“You want to get revenge when you play against Vancouver and the player who put you in that situation, but I’ve got to say there’s definitely no hard feelings,” Toews said Thursday

Jonathan Toews the face of the Blackhawks ticket drive

Check out the Blackhawks season ticket campaign picture and it has a familiar face on it.

Goon's World Tribute to Jonathan Toews

Hey J.T. where going to miss you:

This post is a tribute to Sioux Forward Jonathan Toews who signed a professional contract this past week. While most of us weren't shocked that he signed a professional contract his leaving still smarts none the less. Watching some of these clips should bring back some good memories of Jonathan Toews. Fighting Sioux fans will miss Toews because he is such a dynamic player. It doesn't take much of a hockey genius to see that Toews has the offensive touch, the nose for defensive, the knack for anticipating where his team mares are going to be and his ability to make a pass or shot that could change a hockey game.

Minnesota Gopher Goalie Jeff Frazee isn't going to miss Jonathan Toews as he lit him up during the 2007 World Junior Tourney. I would be willing to bet that Jeff Frazee when to Blarney's after Toews announced that he had signed a professional contract had a few long island teas.

Jonathan Toews with the wrap around versus Holy Cross in the West Regional in 2006.


J.T. the potty mouth

It's Official Toews is Gone.

NHL.COM photo

It has just been announced May 16, 2007, 5:05 PM EDT Black Hawks Sign Toews to 3 Year Deal

The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to terms with highly touted forward Jonathan Toews on a three-year, entry-level contract.

"Chicago is a city with a great history and it's a great hockey city," the 19-year-old Toews said in a statement. "The Blackhawks are an Original Six team with a great hockey tradition. I'm looking forward to playing for the Chicago Blackhawks fans."

He was Chicago's first pick, third overall, in last June's NHL entry draft.

"Jonathan Toews is an exciting player that Blackhawk fans are going to enjoy watching," Hawks GM Dale Tallon said in a statement. "He has been an outstanding player at the collegiate level for two years, he's won two gold medals playing for Team Canada in the world junior championships the past two years, and was a member of gold medal winning Team Canada in the recently completed world championships in Moscow.

"He has shown leadership and the ability to compete at all levels. We're excited to welcome him to the Blackhawk family."

Toews had seven points (2-5) in nine games for world champion Canada in Moscow.

"I was very impressed by the way he played in the world championships," said Blackhawks head coach Denis Savard. "Jonathan is a heart and soul kid. He looks like he's been very well coached. He is a solid two-way player with lots of skill."

The Winnipeg native had four goals and three assists at the world under-20 championship in Sweden earlier this year, and was named to the tournament's all-star team. He is the first Canadian-born player to ever win a gold medal in both the world junior championship and the world championship in the same year.

Toews also played at the University of North Dakota this season, scoring 18 goals and adding 28 assists in 34 games.

This how things go. When I turned my computer off still no news on the signing, went on a walk with the dog, came back from walk with dog, showered went to work. Logged on to the internet and there it was. Officially this is the first early departure.

Are there any more?

This isn't saying that the Sioux aren't going to be hit with any more departures, there could be more, however, from what Sioux fans have been told; there may only be one more possible departure Sophmore defensemen Brian Lee. If I am not mistaken from what I have heard and read Sioux fans should find him for a couple of weeks.

The Toews Watch Update: Ok, I am confused

Ok, I admit I am confused

To take a phrase from Glen Beck this is what we do know: Sioux Forward Jonathon Toews is still a member of the North Dakota Fighting Sioux hockey team, that's as of this moment. This could change at any time. However, Eklund from hockeybuzz.com--
Ouch, I stubbed my Toews!

For those of you unaware, Jonathan Toews name is pronounced "Taves," not Toes...I continue to hear that a deal has indeed already been struck with Toews and the Hawks, and in today's story with the Daily Herald, Tim Sassone writes, The Jonathan Toews era is about to begin for the Blackhawks. Not since Jeremy Roenick decided college wasn't for him after attending a few classes in 1988 has the arrival of a Hawks rookie been so anticipated. Hawks general manager Dale Tallon says he is close to signing the 19-year-old Toews, the third player taken in the 2006 draft. How close? It could happen in the next couple weeks. Toews apparently has decided to leave the University of North Dakota and accept what could be millions from the Hawks, who desperately need him to be Roenick-like in ability and fan appeal. If Toews was undecided over going pro, his head-turning effort in the recent World Championships as the only non-NHL player on Canada let him know he was ready for the big time.

"Why Two Weeks Eklund?" you may ask. I am told it is all about marketing and timing...but it is in fact done.

Really; the Hawks are going to pay Toews millions. The Rookie max is $850,000.00 per season per the CBA, that would mean his contract would be filled with incentives. The rookie max signing bonus is also something like $85,000.00. To get millions it would be as a result of incentives.

Toews close to signing a deal
By Tim Sassone

Hawks general manager Dale Tallon says he is close to signing the 19-year-old Toews, the third player taken in the 2006 draft. How close? It could happen in the next couple weeks.

Toews apparently has decided to leave the University of North Dakota and accept what could be millions from the Hawks, who desperately need him to be Roenick-like in ability and fan appeal.

If Toews was undecided over going pro, his head-turning effort in the recent World Championships as the only non-NHL player on Canada let him know he was ready for the big time.

Tallon said he wasn't surprised by the performance, which impressed many with his poise and offensive skills.

"I think he's going to be better as a pro than he was in college," Tallon said. "I don't think he got enough credit for his offense because of how good he is defensively.

"He's sneaky with his skills. He has awareness of where the puck is going to be instead of where it was. Not a lot of guys can figure that out."

If Toews is the real deal, the Hawks could have a dynamic new look, assuming the prospect they pick first overall in the draft can play right away and Tallon signs the right free agents.

This is what I find confusing. If Toews told Brad Schlossman that he hasn't made a decision yet. Where are all of these other writers getting their information from? Seems like an honest question.
Tallon trying to get Blackhawks settled
By Bob Foltman
Tribune staff reporter

On a day when the Blackhawks announced the signing of a new assistant coach and one of their prospects, two key questions remain unanswered—but perhaps not for much longer—regarding Jonathan Toews and Michal Handzus.

Of perhaps the most significance, Hawks general manager Dale Tallon said Tuesday he hopes to sign Toews, the highly touted first-round pick from last summer, perhaps this week.
-----snip--------
Some thought if Toews had a strong tournament that would seal his decision to leave the University of North Dakota and join the Hawks. Pat Brisson, Toews' family adviser, did not return a phone message.

Oh well we will see. Like I have said many times, him signing isn't and wouldn't be a shock to any of us here in Grand Forks. The fact that he has taken this long to sign a professional contract give most of us just a small flicker of hope. With or without Toews the Sioux will be the favorite to win the WCHA tilte and would be a factor in the end for an NCAA title. The fact that the family advisor didn't return the call might mean something.

Lastly if it sounds like I am not excited about Toews playing for the Chicago Black Hawks; I am not. If this was any other team say like the Wild, the Boston Bruins, Phoneix, or Toronto Maple Leafs, or any other NHL organization I would probably be estactic, I would be very happy for Toews. We are talking about the Chicago Black Hawks, an second rate organization that has been run into the ground to by a horrible owner Bill Wirtz. Chicago is going to use Toews to try to sell seasons and put butts in seats in the form of ticket packages. You can't even watch a Chicago Black Hawks game on TV becaus of the black outs that hang over every Chicago home games. It's sad.

Interesting Fact I found in the article linked above and another reason to stay in school longer.

Maybe time for Plan C?
Brophy joins the endless list of future Hawks prospects.

Tallon called the first-round elimination of Norfolk in the American Hockey League playoffs very disappointing. The Hawks were counting on a long postseason run in which their prospects would get a taste of winning.

Instead, whispers that their prospects may not be as good as the Hawks had hoped may have gained some validity. Jack Skille,the seventh overall pick in 2005, played in just three of the six games with no points. Troy Brouwer,who had 41 goals in the regular season, had just one goal and one point in six games and was a minus-4.

The leading scorer in the series for Norfolk was Jonas Nordqvist,25, with seven points. He was followed by five points each from Carl Corazzini,28, and Craig MacDonald,30, neither of whom would be considered prospects at this point in their careers.

Is Toews Gone?

TSN Picture
EK from hockeybuzz.com is reporting that Toews has signed. Kind of funny since TSN and NHL.comand don't have anything iknformation on the Toews signing as of yet.

UPDATE: Brad Schlossman Grand Forks Herald sports writer for the North Dakota Fighting Sioux has confirmed that Toews has not signed a contract as of yet and the rumor was incorrect.

I got off the phone with Toews a little bit ago and he was surprised to hear about the report. After seeing it for himself he said, "Jeez, I can confirm that's not true."

Toews just returned home yesterday and will finally get his first real chance to go over the decision with his parents in the coming days. It has been a whirlwind for him since the final couple weeks of the season.

Unfortunately, many rumors get tossed around at this time of year. Many people dislike the use of anonymous sources because of accuracy issues. Well, in this instance, not only is the source anonymous... so is the reporter.

The best place to hear it from will be Jonathan himself. He is always completely honest about everything. He didn't mislead anyone last year when he was going through the same process. He'll be open about everything again this year, too.

Also, many have wondered about the lengthy period of class he missed to go to Moscow. Toews said that his teachers have been very helpful and are giving him extensions, allowing him to take incompletes for now while he makes up the work.

Hum; seems that there are few people in hockey world and as well as Canada that have an aweful case of wishful thinking, in fact my advice to the Hawks back up and let him make his decision. Toews is a tight college team that has a good chance of winning an NCAA title, the only thing Chicago has a chance of is finishing in the bottom half of the league standings . Seriously folks, the decision will be coming soon I am sure. It kind of makes a person wonder who was behind this rumor and how accurate it was.

More Ranting and Raving about Towes.

Al Cimaglia on Toews

I try not to get too excited about future Blackhawk Jonathan Toews, but it is impossible. At 19 he is able to more then hold his own with NHL men and never seems to get rattled. I knew when watching Toews during some college games that he was very strong on his skates, but that was against 18-21 year old youngsters. So I always wondered if he would be able to go strong into the corners with NHL players, and that answer has been clearly shown in the last couple of weeks. Toews continues to impress and plays like someone far older then 19, he is a special talent. Now he needs to sign a NHL contract and the Hawks need to design an effective team for next year. I thought Toews could be a 2nd line or maybe a checking line center to start out. Now it appears that he can be a legitimate 1st line center and play alongside Havlat. I would love for the Hawks to pick up a big strong winger who also would be good in the corners, someone like Taylor Pyatt. I think the Hawks would be best served to look to sign two or three 2nd tier free agents. On the radar screen could be a defenseman with some offensive skill, a strong faceoff center, and a tough winger like Pyatt.

Toews has to be signed right after this tourney is finished, so the team building can move forward.

Again everyday that Sioux had Toews for was a gift, much like Zach Parise being a Fighting Sioux was too. However, wouldn't it be awesome if Toews decided to come back for one more year of college, heres to hoping T.J.'s team mates are putting a lot of heat on him. Toews is a special player and I am predicting when he does go pro he will have about the same impact that Jordan Staal had in Pittsburg.

Cogliano Leaving School, Chorney Won't

Listen to Andrew Cogliano's Radio interview with Dan Tencer

Here is an interesting article written by Dan Tencer that was posted over on HOCKEYBUZZ

Just got off the phone with Cogs...it was a tough decision for him, but the Oilers made him an offer he couldn't refuse. He was set to be one of the go-to guys with the Wolverines this year, but when an NHL team demonstrates that they want you as much as the Oilers did...well, he wasn't about to turn down the 3-year deal.

Hear the full interview with Andrew by going here:
The Link
Both he and Oilers Assistant GM Scott Howson will be guests in the 1st hour of Inside Sports on 630 CHED tonight for those of you in Edmonton.

As far as Taylor Chorney is concerned, the Oilers expect him to stay with the University of North Dakota for at least another season.

Great news for Sioux fans and nice to see that the Oiler folks know that Taylor is staying in college for at least another year. With Andrew Gogliano getting a contract it will be interesting to see who will be the next college hockey player to forgo their college hockey eligibility and sign a professional contract. It's seems to be only a matter of time before Jonathon Toews forgoes his college hockey eligibility and signs a professional hockey contract.