Jonathan Toews: Beyond the Glory & Best Undrafted Players in NHL History
Also, some "Today in Hockey History", analyzing the Oshie trade that brought him to the Capitals, former Blackhawks that should have their numbers retired, and more.
Welcome to the THW Hockey History Substack newsletter, with all the best from our extensive archives.
Today in Hockey History: May 1
The calendar flips over from April to May, which usually means more Stanley Cup playoff moments in the National Hockey League. Some of the “Original Six” franchises celebrated big moments on this date, including one astonishing stat. The THW time machine is gassed up and ready to take on our daily journey through the decades to relive the best moments May 1 has given us.
Jonathan Toews: Beyond the Glory
Much consideration has been given to the legacy of Jonathan Toews, 15-year captain and three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Chicago Blackhawks. He missed the 2020-21 season due to complications from Chronic Immune Response Syndrome, and has now sat out the 2023-24 season because of ongoing issues with his health and long COVID.
Best Undrafted Players in NHL History
Throughout NHL history, the league’s elite players have typically been those selected in the annual NHL Entry Draft. The position and round in which these players are drafted are often used as a measuring stick to determine the future success of a given player.
Today in Hockey History: April 30
April 30 has been a very eventful day in National Hockey League history. An errant pass temporarily derailed a dynasty, multiple epic comebacks were completed, and records were set across the league. Let’s begin our daily trip back in time to relive all the best moments this date has had to offer.
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5 Former Blackhawks Most Likely to Have Their Number Retired
For the first time since 2008, the Chicago Blackhawks had a new number hanging in the United Center rafters. On April 7, 2022, the team announced it would retire Marián Hossa’s No. 81 during the 2022-23 regular season, marking the eighth player in franchise history to have his number retired and the first from the “One Goal” era of the 2010s.
The TJ Oshie Trade Analyzed
It has been more than eight years since a blockbuster trade went down during the offseason between the St. Louis Blues and the Washington Capitals. The Blues sent forward TJ Oshie to the Caps in exchange for forward Troy Brouwer, goaltender Pheonix Copley and a third-round pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.