The Chicago Blackhawks are aiming to move beyond their rebuilding stage after years of languishing at the bottom of the NHL. While the roster is still far from championship contention, Connor Bedard and company could receive a major boost as former captain and three-time Stanley Cup champion Jonathan Toews made a bold statement about his intention to return to action.
Toews never officially retired from the NHL, however, everybody assumed his playing career was over after he stepped away from the sport to focus on his personal and mental health after the 2021-22 season.
Toews’ treatment largely stayed out of the spotlight until the 36-year-old shared an update on social media, revealing his participation in an alternative healing process in India. Shortly after, he announced his desire to return to the NHL. However, questions remained about just how serious the former Blackhawks captain was about stepping back onto the ice.
Recently, Toews delivered a powerful statement, making it clear he’s focused on returning to the league. It’s hard not to envision him rejoining the franchise where he spent his entire career, and the thought of Toews teaming up with Bedard is enough to send shivers down the spines of Blackhawks fans.
Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on against the New York Rangers during the first period at the United Center on January 05, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
“I’m not satisfied the way things ended in Chicago,” Jonathan Toews stated during an interview with The Athletic. “It’s not about proving anything. It’s just that there’s something left in the tank, and I want to explore that. I want to go have fun, have a blast, play with passion. I want to be able to step away from the game having said that I’ve given it my all.”
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One last dance
Toews rose to stardom at a very young age. After being drafted with the 3rd overall selection in the 2006 NHL entry Draft, the Manitoban became a franchise cornerstone in Windy City.
Being 20 years and 79 days old, Toews became the third youngest captain in NHL history, he’d go on to lead the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013, and 2015.
Chicago is his second home, fans love him in Chi-Town, and his name is along the all-time greats to don the Blackhawks crest. However, it always felt like his story was rushed to a full stop. After battling with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, which sidelined him during the entire 2020-21 season, Toews had to step away after the 21-22 campaign.
Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) during an NHL game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues, on February 25, 2020, at Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO.
Now healthy, Toews wants to end his career on his own terms, and there may be no better place for his return than Chicago’s United Center—where a new superstar, Bedard, is ready to write the next chapter in the franchise’s history. The 19-year-old may need guidance along the way, and Toews could be the perfect mentor as Bedard navigates the NHL in pursuit of a championship.
