A reunion between the Chicago Blackhawks and Jonathan Toews in his return to the NHL felt like it made all the sense in the world—but the three-time Stanley Cup champion might have different plans. Reportedly, the former captain in Chi-Town could be steering away from Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks, and instead, looming closer to a team nearer to his roots.
The Blackhawks are in desperate need of firepower ahead of the 2025–26 NHL season, and even though Toews hasn’t played a professional game in over two years, the former star in the Windy City might have been welcomed back with open arms.
However, it might be time for new beginnings on both sides. Bedard and the Blackhawks must write their own story, while Toews may need a change of scenery from the organization where he became a legend—but also experienced some of his most difficult days.
Earlier this year, Toews revealed he was interested in playing in the NHL again and had been practicing on his own to ramp up his return to the ice. Since then, the 37-year-old hasn’t made many public appearances, casting some doubt on his plan to come out of retirement.
Regardless, there are some teams who might be interested in signing the veteran center, who boasts three Stanley Cups in his résumé, and almost infinite experience which any organization would gladly bring in. On that note, recent reports have emerged of one franchise that might be the frontrunner in the Toews’ sweepstakes—that is, of course, if he is serious about returning to the league.
Winnipeg bound?
The star veteran born and raised in Winnipeg could be arriving in his hometown in his return to the NHL, as it was reported in the Daily Faceoff podcast.
“Jonathan Toews’ name has surfaced a couple of times. He’s a guy who’s from Winnipeg, he clearly knows what it takes to win, is he a real option for a team? Do you expect to see Toews on an NHL training camp come September?,” Tyler Yaremchuk asked Frank Seravalli on the show.
“Honestly, I haven’t heard much about Toews really since February. The Jets were very interested in at the time,” Seravalli said. “Because of all the things we just talked about: lacking center depth, Stanley Cup pedigree, from Winnipeg, total but in, potentially wants to be there, all those things.
“I think that was a natural fit that the Jets definitely reached out and had a conversation about, and, ultimately, Toews decided the comeback wasn’t for [the 2024-25 season], it would be for the next one.
“I haven’t heard much since, so he’s not on my free agent board yet. [He] certainly could be, but we haven’t gotten there, because I need to see a little more proof first that there’s an actual comeback being made.”
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In for a surprise
The buzz has settled down since news broke of Toews’ intentions of returning to the NHL, and it’s unclear whether that project is still on its feet. But as the uncertainty takes over, work might be getting done in the dark and perhaps Toews’ return to the league is closer than many believe.