Chicago Blackhawks: Jonathan Toews Should Sit Out the Postseason

The Chicago Blackhawks have a dilemma with captain Jonathan Toews.

Should he return and play in the postseason or sit out and rest from a lingering concussion?

It has already been said that Toews will miss the regular-season finale against the Red Wings on Saturday.

Toews has missed 21 games this season due to a concussion that began sometime early on the February nine-game road trip. Throughout the weeks Toews has been slowly progressing by skating and taking part in regular workouts.

Though new comments made by Toews on Wednesday have renewed public interest in his health (via Chicago Tribune).

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"There are still signs of a concussion lingering," Toews said Wednesday. "When that's completely gone, then I'll be comfortable playing. It's one of those things where it's very easy for it to come back if one little thing goes wrong."

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Is it dangerous to say Toews can come back soon when he still has lingering concussion symptoms? 

Of course the Blackhawks front office is playing it safe, saying that the decision is up to Toews on when he wants to return to action.

But it's scary to hear Toews say that "little" things trigger his concussion (via Chicago Tribune).

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"There are always little things here and there that trigger it. It's not a perfect thing that I know what to expect at every given part of the day. It always seems to be different. I'm just trying to make sure every part of my life is back to normal first."

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So the question remains, should the Blackhawks rush back their captain just to play in the playoffs?

The situation doesn't seem to be getting any better as Toews is still dealing his concussion with only a week till the playoffs. Via ESPN:

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"It's not feeling like yourself, not being able to do what you normally do with ease," he explained. "It's all sorts of things. You try to explain it and no one will understand unless you go through it. It's not a fun thing right now."

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It is the playoffs after all; but the answer should still be a firm no.

The prime example of this is Sidney Crosby. Crosby has dealt with lingering concussion symptoms for most of last season and for a good part of this season. Only recently has Crosby returned to action only to be repeatedly targeted for big hits.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Steve Montador is also a good example. Montador dealt with a concussion for weeks before he returned to the lineup. He left midway through his first game back after taking a hit to the head; now he's back on the IR and out indefinitely.

The bottom line is this, Toews is a franchise player capable of leading his team to a Stanley Cup. It's best to rest him now and to make sure that he completely recovers from his concussion rather than risk worsening it.

This organization cannot risk losing their franchise player for an extended period of time just so he can play in the postseason. 

Maybe a little more time will help him, not just a week but a few more months away from the game. Via ESPN:

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"I was very close to playing (Friday) or (Saturday) but now we have another four days or so," he said. "I'm hoping that will be the difference right there."

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However long the recovery may take it will all be worth it to have a completely healthy Jonathan Toews, not just for a few games but for a long and successful career.

Follow @Blackhawks_JM