Jonathan Toews delivered some warm thoughts about Chicago Blackhawks fans and the city in a post on Instagram on Wednesday.
"It’s hard to find words to describe the 16-year journey that has made this city my home," Toews, who is a free agent, wrote.
"Aside from the 3 Stanley Cups, the parades, and the countless memories made with my teammates, what is still most special to me was feeling a true connection to the people of this city."
The Blackhawks announced the 35-year-old Toews would not be re-signed prior to the team's final game last season. He completed an eight-year contract with the club.
Selected by the Blackhawks third overall in the 2006 NHL Draft, Toews helped the Blackhawks win three NHL titles. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP in 2010.
Toews is also a member of the Triple Gold Club, having won a Stanley Cup, world hockey championship, and Olympic gold medal.
The Winnipeg native had 372 goals and 511 assists for 883 points in 1,067 games as a Blackhawk.
Toews missed two months last season with chronic immune response syndrome and long COVID.
"To all of you I say, THANK YOU," Toews wrote. "You made my time here in Chicago unforgettable."
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