Jonathan Toews is inextricably linked with his heroics for his national team and though he won't be suiting up in PyeongChang, the Chicago Blackhawks captain provided his full support for Team Canada ahead of the upcoming tournaments.

NHL players will not be participating in this year's event, a point of contention for many potential attendees. Although it was a bitter development, Toews has moved on and will be watching avidly from home.

"Nothing is given there. I can't even stand here and talk like I'd be on Team Canada if we were going; there are so many great players. So any chance you get to represent your country is a great honor," Toews said via Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Toews emerged into the national conscience following a standout performance during the 2007 World Junior Hockey Championships, and excelled for Canada on the big stage in Vancouver and Sochi. The two-time gold medalist also gave a particular nod to Canadian defenseman Chay Genoway, his teammate during his collegiate tenure at the University of North Dakota.

"I'm pretty excited to watch him play," Toews said.

The nation will be standing at attention during PyeongChang 2018, and that doesn't exclude living legends like Toews himself.

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