updated 3:03 a.m. ET July 19, 2008

The Chicago Blackhawks named Jonathan Toews captain Friday, making him the third-youngest player to earn that distinction in the history of the NHL.

Toews (20 years, 79 days) joins Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby and Tampa Bay Lightning center Vincent Lecavalier among the youngest players to captain their respective clubs. Crosby took over at 19 years and 297 days and Lecavalier at 19 years and 330 days.

Toews, who had 24 goals and 54 points as a rookie last season, was a finalist for the Calder Trophy as the league's rookie of the year award last season. Teammate Patrick Kane captured the honor.

"When people consider you for so much responsibility at such an age, it's awesome," Toews told the Chicago Tribune. "I enjoy the game. It's my life, and it's my passion. I do take it very seriously, and maybe that's one of the things that rubs off on the other guys."

Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon said Toews was worthy of the honor.

"There's an aura about [Toews]," Tallon said. "He has leadership ability naturally. It's not something he needs to work hard at. He just is that kind of kid. We felt we might as well move forward with it and let him grow at that position."

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