Toews won't play for Canada at World Championship

Jonathan Toews has turned down a chance to extend his season.

The Chicago Blackhawks captain won't play for Canada at the upcoming World Championship, he told Scott Powers of The Athletic.

In turning down the invite, Toews appears to be taking advantage of some rare off time. For the first time since his rookie campaign, his Blackhawks won't take part in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Manitoba native has participated in two World Championships - in 2007 and 2008. His last international appearance came at the World Cup of Hockey in 2016.

The 2018 World Championship will be hosted in Denmark and begins May 4.