Devon Toews Bio
Devon Toews is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed ‘Tazer’, Toews was drafted 108th overall by the New York Islanders in the 2014 NHL entry draft. He has won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022, showcasing his skill and dedication on the ice. Toews’ career has been marked by impressive performances and contributions to his teams, making him a prominent figure in the world of hockey.
Early Life and Background
Devon Toews was born on February 21, 1994, in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. He was raised in a family that appreciated sports, with parents Werner and Tammy Toews being baseball fans. Toews has one brother, Nolan, and his parents named their sons after notable baseball players, reflecting their passion for the sport. From a young age, Toews showed an interest in hockey, beginning his journey in youth hockey at the Yale Hockey Academy at the age of six.
Toews played for the Abbotsford Hawks Bantam A1 team, where he helped them secure the B.C. bantam Tier 1 title. Despite his early success, he faced challenges due to his height, standing at just 5’2” at the time, which led to him being overlooked by teams in the Western Hockey League (WHL). However, he persevered and joined the Fraser Valley Bruins, where he experienced a growth spurt and excelled as a defenceman.
Path to Hockey
Toews’ journey in hockey took a significant turn when he played for the Surrey Eagles in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). During his first season, he was named to the BCHL All-Rookie Team and earned a full hockey scholarship to Quinnipiac University. He returned to the Eagles for a second season, leading the team to a BCHL Championship and earning MVP honors at the Western Canada Cup. His performance caught the attention of scouts, and he was selected to represent Team Canada West at the 2012 World Junior A Challenge, where he earned a silver medal.
At Quinnipiac University, Toews majored in accounting while continuing to develop his skills on the ice. He played three seasons with the Bobcats, leading the team to multiple NCAA Tournaments and achieving personal milestones, including being named to the All-ECAC Hockey Second Team. His collegiate career culminated in a National Championship appearance in 2016, where he set career highs in goals, assists, and points.
Devon Toews Career
Early Career (2016–2020)
Toews signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the New York Islanders on April 15, 2016, marking the beginning of his professional career. He made an immediate impact in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, tying for the most points among rookie defencemen and earning a spot in the AHL All-Star Classic. His impressive performance led to his NHL debut on December 23, 2018, where he scored his first NHL point, a game-winning goal, in a 3–2 overtime victory against the Chicago Blackhawks.
During his time with the Islanders, Toews became a key player, contributing to the team’s playoff success. He recorded his first career playoff goal in 2019, becoming one of the few rookie defencemen in Islanders history to score in the postseason.
Breakthrough (2020–Present)
In October 2020, Toews was traded to the Colorado Avalanche, where he signed a four-year contract. His first season with the Avalanche was remarkable, as he played alongside star defenceman Cale Makar and led the team in ice time during both the regular season and playoffs. On June 26, 2022, Toews achieved a significant milestone by winning the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche, solidifying his status as a top player in the league.
On October 13, 2023, Toews signed a seven-year contract extension with the Avalanche worth $50.75 million, demonstrating the team’s commitment to him as a core player for the future.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Devon Toews has established himself as a skilled defenceman with a strong work ethic. His notable achievements include winning the Stanley Cup and being recognized for his contributions on the ice during critical moments in games.
Devon Toews Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Devon Toews has received recognition for his performances, including being named to various all-star teams and receiving accolades for his contributions in collegiate and professional hockey.
Devon Toews Awards Won
Devon Toews has won the Stanley Cup in 2022, marking a significant achievement in his professional hockey career.
Devon Toews Family
Devon Toews was raised in a supportive family environment in Abbotsford, British Columbia. His parents, Werner and Tammy Toews, encouraged his passion for sports from a young age. He has one brother, Nolan, who shares his parents’ love for athletics.
Personal Life
Devon Toews is married to Kerry, and the couple has two children. They became engaged in 2018 and married in October 2020. In a meaningful gesture, they made a donation to Hockey Fights Cancer in honor of a loved one during their wedding, reflecting their commitment to giving back to the community.
