Jonathan Toews' former teammate has released a five-minute video

More than steering the team through games, Toews's legacy includes shaping the spirit and camaraderie of his teammates.

Brendan Perlini, who skated with the Blackhawks between 2018 and 2020, offers a privileged view into Toews's influential leadership.

Having a personal connection through their siblings—who also played together—Perlini had an up-close experience of Toews's management style.

One memorable moment for Perlini was when Toews personally advocated for him to the coaching staff, a move that led to a triumphant hat-trick against the Arizona Coyotes.

But Toews's impact was not confined to the rink. He was pivotal in organizing team gatherings that helped dissolve potential divisions within the squad, maintaining open lines of communication through group chats, and ensuring the team remained unified.

View the discussion sparked by this revelation on Toews's leadership on

Today, Perlini continues to carry the lessons learned from Toews as he progresses his career with the AHL's Charlotte Checkers, an affiliate of the Florida Panthers, boasting 81 points over 262 games.

Perlini remains appreciative of the leadership Toews provided, expressing eagerness to reconnect with him outside the pressures of professional hockey.

Jonathan Toews's approach to leadership exemplifies how the role of a captain is profoundly more than leading by example on the ice; it's about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and united in pursuit of a common goal.

Perlini's insights reveal a layer of Toews's character that many fans—and even fellow players—might not see, highlighting an integral part of the glue that held the Blackhawks together during their most triumphant times.