While 2020 has been hard on all NHL teams, it seems that 2021 is coming down hard on the Hawks. With 3 major players on injured reserve for indefinite amounts of time and surprise retirements, the roster for this season is starting to thin out. 

Perhaps the most noticeable absence will be that on Jonathan Toews. The long time captain of the Hawks is out with an unclear medical condition. This will be the first season since 2008 without Toews.

However, the amount of time Toews will be out is still up in the air. 

“This offseason, I’ve been experiencing symptoms that have left me feeling drained and lethargic,” Toews said. “Until I can get my health back to a place where I feel I can perform at an elite level and help my team, I will not be joining the Blackhawks.” 

Fans hope that the captain is feeling better soon, and able to rejoin the team. 

Crowd favorites Kirby Dach and Alex Nylander are also out for an unspecified amount of time. 

Forward Alex Nylander injured his knee during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Although he rested and trained conservatively, he did require surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. Luckily, he has already had successful surgery performed, and is said to be back on the ice in 4 to 6 months. 

Forward Kirby Dach is also taking residency on the injured list. At 19 years old, Dach was named the captain of Team Canada for the World Juniors. Sadly, he suffered a wrist injury during an early game. Fortunately, Dach has already received a successful surgery to repair a fracture in his right wrist and is expected to return to the ice in four to five months. 

The past months have been full of surprising news, but none was as surprising to Hawks fans as the news of goaltender Corey Crawford being traded. 

Crawford was traded to the New Jersey Devils, where he agreed to a two-year $7.8 million contract. However, very soon after this was agreed on, Crawford announced that he would actually be retiring. This was a shock to all hockey fans, as the 35-year-old goalie had two Stanley Cups under his belt, as well as a .917 save percentage. 

In his released statement on the Blackhawk’s blog, Crawford stated “I wanted to continue my career, but I believe I’ve given all I can to the game of hockey, and I’ve decided that it is time to retire. I am happy and excited to move on to the next chapter of my life with my family.”

Although this sudden departure has fans asking many questions, no one can doubt that Crawford will be missed. That being said, thanks for the 13 amazing seasons, Crow. 

The Blackhawks 2021 season is off to a rocky start, but the team has not let this stop them from hitting the ice with energy and passion. 

Multiple players have been called up, and Head Coach Jeremy Colliton just signed on to a two-year extension to his contract. The team is working hard to account for those missing players, and the pressure will no doubt be heavy on their shoulders. 

Returning favorites Patrick Kane, Dylan Strome, Alex DeBrincat, and Andrew Shaw will all be playing to their fullest ability. 

The Blackhawks play their first game against the Tampa Bay Lightning Wednesday, January 13, at 7:00 pm.