Jonathan Toews was ready to make ultimate sacrifice in Denver on Wednesday night

On Wednesday night, defenseman Jack Johnson started trending on social media. That’s because his former team, the Colorado Avalanche began their title defense as the Chicago Blackhawks roll into Denver to kick off their 2022-23 season. And of course, it started off with the Stanley Cup Banner Raising Ceremony, and the Avs players invited Johnson to join them at center ice as the banner made it to the rafters.

Johnson signed a one-year contract over the offseason with the Blackhawks. But for the ceremony, the Avalanche made him feel like he was part of the team once again.

It was an emotional return to Colorado for Johnson and his new captain, Jonathan Toews, was ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for his new teammate.

After the Hawks’ 5-2 loss at the hands of the Avalanche, Johnson was asked about his “spontaneous” decision to be part of the festivities and the defenseman then revealed how Toews was ready to endure the heartbreaking ceremony just to celebrate his teammate’s triumph.

“It’s a special thing to be a part of,” Johnson said. “And it’s just another thing in the long list of things I’m extremely grateful of, for Colorado and the organization, the city, the fans, my teammates. And also the Blackhawks for letting me be a part of it. [Jonathan Toews] even offered to have the whole team go on the bench and be there to support me but told him, you guys get ready for the game.”

Toews might have won three championships in the past, but the last one was in 2015 and the Blackhawks are nowhere close to being contenders this season.

The banner ceremony had to take place as the Avalanche faced the projected worst team in the league, but still, Toews was willing to watch the celebrations for Johnson.

Sign of a great captain and teammate.