Blackhawks' Jonathan Toews to miss All-Star Game

Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews will not participate in the All-Star Game on Sunday and will be replaced by Nashville's James Neal.

Toews has been sick and did not play at all in the third period of the Hawks' 5-0 loss in Carolina on Tuesday.

“At this time, rest over the break is most important for him to properly recover and be fully healthy heading into the rest of the regular season,” said Blackhawks team physician Dr. Michael Terry.

By rule, Toews must now miss the Hawks' next game, which is at Colorado on Tuesday.

The fifth-place Predators now have four players taking place in the All-Star Game. Neal has 18 goals and 12 assists in 50 games. Also playing from Nashville are goalie Pekka Rinne and defensemen Shea Weber and Roman Josi.

Patrick Kane is now the only player representing the first-place Blackhawks.

“It is always a great honor to be selected to play in the All-Star Game, but to be able to do so in front of the hometown fans and in the city of Nashville makes it even more special,” Neal told reporters. “I want to thank the Predators organization, my teammates and coaches for helping me reach this accomplishment.”

New radio deal:

The Blackhawks announced they agreed to a five-year rightsholder extension with WGN 720-AM. Games will now be broadcast on WGN through at least the 2023-24 season.