All day Thursday, I was feeling more anxiety than usual waiting for the Blackhawks game to begin. Game days usually come with a bit of anxiety, but it’s not every day you have to endure seeing one of the best and most accomplished players of your lifetime face his old team for the first time.

Sure, we’ve seen the Blackhawks play against Patrick Kane a few times. Duncan Keith played with Edmonton during his last year, but for me, no one was, or is, like Jonathan Toews.

It’s not about comparing stats. Kane wins that argument easily. It’s not about overall importance to the dynasty. They don’t win a single Cup without Keith.

It’s about the total package, and that’s what Toews was for Chicago. A perfect player. A perfect Captain. A perfect Blackhawk.

When Toews stepped away from hockey after the 2022-23 NHL season, we all felt his playing days were over. His body was betraying him, and it was hard to see a path back for Toews. I’m sure he felt that way too.

We should have known better.

Toews knew there was a one percent chance of coming back, and that’s all Toews needed. He put himself through hell to come back, and so far, it’s worked.

Toews looked like his old self vs. the Blackhawks. Rock-solid defensively, great at the dot, and an assist. Another day at the office for No. 19. And while watching him didn’t hurt as badly as I expected it would have, it will never feel right seeing him in another uniform, at least for me.

The day No. 19 is raised to the United Center rafters, I’ll be tempted to leave my perch in the press box, remove my credential, and sit in the 300 level to give him the goodbye he deserves. Without Toews, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do what I do now. I owe my career to him and his dynasty teammates.