Evaluating Jonathan Toews’ Return to the Ice

Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty ImagesThe Chicago Blackhawks just wrapped up one of the franchise’s lousiest seasons in a very long time.

But if there was a very thin silver lining available to Blackhawks, it was that Jonathan Toews returned to the ice after missing the entire 2021 season. Toews’ return to action was a much welcomed one. However, for much of his time on the ice, the captain did not seem like himself — yelling at the refs not withstanding. It’s not that he was outwardly bad, he just looked out of place and very misused.

But, we’ve seen this before.

Toews’ numbers have mostly been on a downward trend for several years, as back issues, concussions and whatever other…