Toews is the definition of a late bloomer. He was passed over twice in the NHL Draft before being taken in the fourth round (No. 108) by the New York Islanders in 2014. That came after his freshman season at Quinnipiac University, where he played two more seasons before turning pro.
The native of Abbotsford, British Columbia, was assigned to Bridgeport of the American Hockey League for the 2016-17 season and was selected to play in the AHL All-Star Classic, where he won the Fastest Skater competition. He was named to the All-Rookie Team after finishing with 45 points (five goals, 40 assists).
Toews is the definition of a late bloomer. He was passed over twice in the NHL Draft before being taken in the fourth round (No. 108) by the New York Islanders in 2014. That came after his freshman season at Quinnipiac University, where he played two more seasons before turning pro.
The native of Abbotsford, British Columbia, was assigned to Bridgeport of the American Hockey League for the 2016-17 season and was selected to play in the AHL All-Star Classic, where he won the Fastest Skater competition. He was named to the All-Rookie Team after finishing with 45 points (five goals, 40 assists).
The Islanders sent the speedy defenseman back to Bridgeport for the start of the 2017-18 season, but season-ending shoulder surgery in late December ended his season, which otherwise would likely have ended with an NHL callup.
Toews began 2018-19 in Bridgeport for the third straight season but was called up on Dec. 19, 2018 and played his first NHL game four nights later against the Dallas Stars. He got his first NHL point on Jan. 3, 2019, when he scored in overtime against the Chicago Blackhawks. He spent the rest of the season in a regular role, helping the Islanders qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2016.
NOTES & TRANSACTIONS
- ECAC Second All-Star Team (2016)
- AHL All-Rookie Team (2017)
