Might Jonathan Toews Go the Patrice Bergeron Route With Retirement?

Boston Bruins legend Patrice Bergeron retired today, closing out an impressive and successful career with the Boston Bruins. His status was questioned throughout the offseason and now that question has been answered. It also brings back the questions surrounding Jonathan Toews and what might be next for the long time Chicago Blackhawks captain.

Not included on his agency’s list as an unrestricted free agent and not returning to the Blackhawks, it sure seems more likely that Toews could follow a similar path to Bergeron when it comes to closing out his career.

Retirement Seemed More Likely for Bergeron This Offseason

Bergeron had a long and productive career, one that had its fair share of long playoff runs and came with a Stanley Cup title as well. Like Toews, he appeared in three Stanley Cup Finals. Unlike the Chicago captain, however, the Bruins fell short in the other two opportunities with one being against the Blackhawks in 2013.

But as Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy wrote two months ago, Bergeron was non-commital on any news following the Bruins stunning playoff loss and was seen hugging all of his teammates before exiting the ice. While it was similar to how he left when they lost to Carolina a season earlier, it certainly seemed like it was a final lap for the three-year captain of the team.

The offseason speculation became full on fact with today’s news and in Chicago, it really begs the question of a when, not if,  fans really saw the final lap of Toews’ career both in hockey and as a member of the Blackhawks.

Nothing Significant on Toews Since Free Agency Started

It was noted that Toews wasn’t included on the free agency list while Patrick Kane made it clear he’ll be back by December and will be picky with where he signs. Kane was always the more vocal of the two longtime Blackhawks legends so it’s no surprise that it’s been silence from Toews since his final game back in April. But the way Bergeron handled his business seems like foreshadowing for Jonathan Toews. In a classy letter to fans, Bergeron went out on his terms using his words and in a way that still really didn’t make it about him. No massive press conference or pomp and circumstance.

It sure seems a similar approach that Captain Serious might take.