3x Stanley Cup champion with Blackhawks, Jonathan Toews, makes final stance clear on potential return to the NHL

In one of the biggest storylines heading into the NHL’s free agency, Jonathan Toews, who led the Chicago Blackhawks to three Stanley Cups, has reportedly reached a final stance regarding his potential return to the league after two seasons of inactivity.

Toews last played in the NHL during the 2022-23 season before he decided to step away from the sport to focus on both his physical and mental health. His decision was made after battling with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) throughout his entire championship-filled career.

However, the 37-year-old admitted earlier this year in an interview with GQ that he hopes to return to the NHL. Still, little had been revealed about the former Blackhawks captain’s future—until now.

According to recent reports around the league, the three-time Stanley Cup winning center with Chicago has made up his mind regarding his potential return to activity in the NHL.

Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period at United Center on October 27, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.

“Jonathan Toews reached out to his agent Pat Brisson yesterday to inform him he’s 100 percent committed to coming back to the NHL next season. Just spoke with Brisson, who says he will start taking calls from NHL teams on Toews now leading up to July 1,” insider Pierre LeBrun stated on his X account, formerly Twitter.

see also

Brand-new head coach Jeff Blashill delivers bold reminder to Connor Bedard, Blackhawks ahead of first season in Chicago

Where to next?

While many fans across the league dream of a reunion between the Blackhawks and Toews—especially since he never got the chance to play alongside Connor Bedard—that scenario seems more like a utopia than a realistic possibility.

Instead, one clear front-runner appears to be emerging in the race to sign Toews during free agency: the Winnipeg Jets. “Toews will have a long list of clubs with interest. The Winnipeg Jets will be front and centre when the time is right. Could be a great fit,” insider Darren Dreger stated.

Hailing from Toews’ hometown, the Jets make a lot of sense—they boast one of the strongest rosters in the league but are lacking a top-six center, a role the former Blackhawks star could potentially fill.

That is, of course, assuming Toews returns to action with the level of play he once displayed—a question that remains very much up in the air.