Toews true colors exposed by former teammate on Blackhawks

As the team's captain, Toews was more than a player; he was a mentor and a pillar of unity throughout his impressive stint.

Brendan Perlini, who shared the locker room with Toews during the 2018-2020 NHL seasons, offers a unique glimpse into the less visible aspects of Toews's leadership. This insight is enriched by a personal connection, as their siblings played together, providing Perlini with an intimate perspective on Toews's character and leadership style.

A particularly memorable incident shared by Perlini underscores Toews's dedication to his team. It was Toews who stood up for Perlini, advocating for him to the coaching staff. This support was pivotal and culminated in Perlini scoring a hat-trick in a crucial game against the Arizona Coyotes.

But Toews's impact went beyond mere game strategy; he was a master at fostering a strong team spirit. Organizing team dinners and managing group chats, he actively worked to dissolve potential cliques and strengthen camaraderie among players.

Reflecting on his time with the Blackhawks, Perlini expresses profound respect for Toews, emphasizing that his ability to cultivate a supportive team environment was unmatched. Even as Perlini continues his career with the Charlotte Checkers in the AHL, he holds the lessons learned from Toews in high regard and eagerly anticipates any opportunities to reconnect with his former captain.

As Perlini progresses in his career, now amassing 81 points over 262 games, the influence of Toews's mentorship is a testament to the enduring impact of genuine leadership in sports.

Toews's legacy as a leader is not just in the records he set or the titles the team won but in the lasting influence he has on his teammates, shaping their careers and lives beyond the rink.