It's the end of an era in the Windy City.

After a "difficult conversation," the Chicago Blackhawks decided against re-signing longtime captain and pending unrestricted free agent Jonathan Toews in the summer, general manager Kyle Davidson announced Thursday.

Thursday's clash against the Philadelphia Flyers at the United Center will mark Toews' final contest wearing a Blackhawks sweater.

"It was very important to us to be able to provide the proper send-off for Jonathan and our fans," Davidson said. "He has done so much for this organization, and no matter where he plays next, we're excited our fans get the chance to show Jonathan exactly how much he means to them."

Davidson added that he expects Toews to play somewhere else next season, according to The Athletic's Mark Lazerus.

With one game remaining in his Blackhawks tenure, Toews ranks sixth all time in goals (371) and points (882) for the franchise, as well as fifth in games played (1,066).

Toews captured three Stanley Cup championships with the Blackhawks and logged 119 points in 137 playoff games.

The Blackhawks also moved Patrick Kane to the New York Rangers prior to the trade deadline. Davidson said he didn't offer Kane a contract, either, and that he thought it'd be best for Chicago to "clear the deck."

"I don't know if resting on the past or on sentimentality does us any good for the future," the executive said.

Puck drops on Chicago's final game of the campaign at 8:30 p.m. ET.

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