The votes have been tallied and Jonathan Toews is the winner of the That's Hockey Franchise Faceoff. Fans voted Toews over Tampa Bay Lightning centre Steven Stamkos in the final as the player 23-years-old or younger that they would most want to start a franchise with.
At such a young age, Toews has already accomplished more than most players will in an entire career. The 23-year-old became a household name even before his days as a Chicago Blackhawk, by way of his impressive World Junior Hockey Championship resume. Toews helped Team Canada to World Junior Gold in 2006 and 2007, becoming a national hero and shootout star along the way in '07.
The Winnipeg native didn't miss a beat in his first season in the NHL, earning NHL All-Rookie Team honours.
In just his third season in the league, Toews captained the Blackhawks to their first Stanley Cup victory since 1961, and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as top playoff performer.
The Cup win topped off an outstanding year for Toews, who earlier that year helped Canada capture Gold in the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.
Matched up in a head-to-head single elimination bracket style tournament voted on by fans, the two-time 30 goal scorer eliminated 2011 Rookie of the Year Jeff Skinner, fellow third-overall draft pick Matt Duchene, and Olympic teammate Drew Doughty before facing Stamkos in the final.
Stamkos eliminated Patrick Berglund, Taylor Hall, and Patrick Kane before falling to Toews.
