*Photo from NBC Chicago*
The Chicago Blackhawks may have lost 4-3 to the Detroit Red Wings in their first preseason game, but it was who played that was far more important. Longtime captain and center Jonathan Toews made his return to the ice for the Blackhawks, after missing all of last season after suffering from chronic immune response syndrome.
Toews last played for the Blackhawks in game 5 of the 2020 playoffs first round in the Edmonton Bubble against the Vegas Golden Knights, the game that the Blackhawks got eliminated in. He logged 22:48 of ice time in his first game, centering the top line with Dominik Kubalik on his left and Philipp Kurashev on his right.
Toews said "Obviously, I've got my work cut out for me, but it's coming. So just happy to be out there. Obviously, the legs are tired. We've got pretty good skates in practices, but I feel better than Day One. I think I feel pretty good about my progress and, you know, just getting in shape, I guess, pretty much."
Toews said when camp opened up a week ago that his goal was to suit up for the Blackhawks season opener on October 13 against the Colorado Avalanche. On Wednesday night, Toews also logged 3:28 of time on the power play, and 1:12 on the penalty kill. The Blackhawks also welcomed him back with a video montage during the first period.
In order to prepare for the season opener, the Blackhawks and Toews will have 6 more preseason games to get ready for the start of the season. Chicago plays the St.Louis Blues next on Friday night.
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