ESPN snubs Blackhawks athlete and three-time Stanley Cup champion

In a recent revelation by ESPN, the top 100 athletes of the 21st century were named, but shockingly, Jonathan Toews, the esteemed former captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, was left off.

Despite a decorated career, Toews' omission has sparked a significant backlash from fans and analysts alike, with many questioning the criteria used by ESPN in their selection process.

Jonathan Toews, drafted third overall by the Blackhawks in 2006, has been a cornerstone of the franchise's success.

Over his career, Toews played 1,067 games, scoring 372 goals and 511 assists, totaling 883 points. His accolades include three Stanley Cup victories, a Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010, and two Olympic gold medals representing Canada.

Despite these credentials, Toews was conspicuously absent from a list that did include his teammates Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith, who shared in all three of Chicago's recent Stanley Cup triumphs.

This controversy touches on a broader issue within sports media and rankings, where the criteria and transparency of selections are often called into question.

Fans and pundits are left wondering whether the list truly reflects the accomplishments and impact of the athletes chosen.

Furthermore, the timing of this snub comes during a transitional phase for Toews. Post-COVID-19, the Blackhawks informed him that they would not be re-signing him, marking an uncertain future for the once indispensable leader.

Currently stepping back due to lingering health issues, Toews has not yet announced any plans regarding his retirement.

The debate over Toews' legacy and his exclusion from the ESPN list highlights the subjective nature of sports accolades and the passions they ignite among fans and observers.

While his former teammates, Kane and Keith, enjoy their place among the elite, the hockey community continues to advocate for Toews, whose contributions to the sport resonate far beyond mere statistics and accolades.

The conversation surrounding Toews' exclusion is far from over, serving as a reminder of the challenges in quantifying the full impact of a player not only on their team but on the sport as a whole.