Let’s just be honest: Of the four Chicago Blackhawks to make the 2017 All-Star Game, Jonathan Toews was easily the least deserving.
Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and Corey Crawford each will be representing the Central Division in the 3-on-3 tournament. But the captain certainly hasn’t played to the level of Artemi Panarin, or even Marian Hossa and Artem Anisimov.
Don’t buy it? Well, take it from Toews himself.
“I have to completely admit that there is a handful of guys on this team that are definitely more deserving, ” Toews said, according to The Chicago Tribune’s Chris Kuc.
We all know Toews is a pretty humble guy, but are his comments a little harsh? Not really.
Toews is seventh on the team currently with 20 points in 34 games. He’s missed time with a back injury, but even when healthy hasn’t played up to expectations. Plus, Panarin, Hossa and Anisimov have each had far better seasons.
Panarin ranks second on the team and sixth in the league with 41 points. Anisimov is third on the roster with 31 points and leads actually leads the team with 17 goals. Hossa has experienced a revitalization and is fifth with 24 points.
Nobody knows that more than Toews, apparently.
“Why I got picked ahead of those guys based on performance this year I’m not sure, ” Toews said, per Kuc.
It’s a valid question. The Blackhawks led the NHL with four All-Star selections, but all anyone can talk about is who got snubbed.
Then again, that’s maybe a good problem to have.
