In one of the most highly anticipated announcements in the NHL, the Winnipeg Jets revealed that three-time Stanley Cup champion Jonathan Toews will be signing with them. As the former Chicago Blackhawks captain returns to the league, his longtime partner-in-crime Patrick Kane offered a sincere admission—seemingly shutting the door on a potential reunion. However, Kane has yet to extend his contract with the Detroit Red Wings, so fans can still cross their fingers.
Kane and Toews will always be remembered in the NHL for their glorious run with the Blackhawks during the 2010s. Hoisting three Stanley Cups in six years, the dynamic duo cemented their place in the Hockey Hall of Fame—whenever they decide to hang up the skates.
They have no intention of doing that any time soon, however. Toews is now back from a two-season hiatus due to medical reasons. While there are many questions surrounding his level of play, his compete level is not in doubt. The former Blackhawks captain is as hungry as ever to lead his hometown team, the Jets, to their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.
To hoist the Stanley Cup, Toews will need some help, of course. Fans can’t help but fantasize about a reunion with ‘Showtime,’ who has yet to sign an extension with the Red Wings. However, Kane has openly expressed his desire to stay in the 313 and a new deal is in the works. His reaction to Toews’ return might be the final nail in the coffin for hopes of the duo reuniting.
Separate ways
“Really happy for him,” Kane said in text messages sent to Scott Powers of The Athletic. “Excited he gets to experience something new and different. I know he’s worked really hard to come back.”
Kane’s message doesn’t slam the door, but it makes it clear he’s not thinking about rejoining Toews—at least not at the moment. They’ve each gone their separate ways, and it might be time to accept that. Still, nostalgia makes it a tough pill to swallow.
The last function
As it seems Kane and Toews won’t share the ice in the NHL again, fans can look back to January 28, 2023—the last time the dynamic duo in Chi-Town suited up together. It was a road game against the Edmonton Oilers, and although the Hawks fell 7–3, their version of Batman and Robin still combined for a goal.
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Toews finished the game with a goal, primarily assisted by Kane—who recorded two apples that night. Toews would go on to miss several games after that outing at Rogers Place. By the time he returned to the lineup, Kane was already in Manhattan, having been traded to the New York Rangers.