At age 27, Jonathan Toews has earned a reputation as hockey's biggest winner. He's captained the Chicago Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup titles in the past six seasons, won two gold medals with the Canadian Olympic team (2010, 2014), earned three straight gold medals at the world junior championships (2006-08) and helped Canada win a gold medal at the 2007 world championship. Toews has achieved all this success while never leading the NHL in goals, assists or points.
Dare we say it: He's hockey's Derek Jeter. Despite performing in a salary-cap league, which Jeter did not do, Toews' accomplishments are very comparable through a similar number of years.
High draft picks
Jeter was drafted sixth overall by the New York Yankees in 1992.
Toews was taken third overall by the Blackhawks in 2006.
Key position
Jeter was a shortstop, at the center the diamond, for virtually his entire Yankees career.
Toews is the Blackhawks' No. 1 center, the focal point of opponents' attention, for virtually his entire hockey career.
Early success
Jeter won three World Series in his first five seasons. He was 25 at the time of his third title. That championship came seven years after he was drafted.
Toews has won three Stanley Cups in his first eight seasons. He's 27, with Cup No. 3 coming nine years after being drafted.
Captaincy
Even though he wasn't officially named captain until 2003, Jeter was considered the Yankees' leader very early in his career.
Toews was named Blackhawks' captain in 2008, his second season in the NHL.
Part of a larger "core"
Jeter was considered part of the Yankees' Core Four, along with Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada.
Toews is part of a Blackhawks' Core Four, along with Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. All were drafted by Chicago and have played on all three Cup winners.
Winning with an established boss
Jeter won his early titles under Joe Torre, a former player who had managed three other teams before coming to the Yankees.
Toews has won his three Cups under Joel Quenneville, a former player who previously coached the Blues and Avalanche.
Demeanor
Both are known for being the ultimate professionals.
Both are considered mature beyond their years.
Both are thriving as leaders in big markets.
Both are well-respected by teammates and foes alike.