The return of three-time Stanley Cup champion Jonathan Toews to the NHL seems impending. However, the Chicago Blackhawks are apparently not in the running for their former captain. Instead, Connor Bedard and company could be seeing a lot of Toews, just in a different jersey.
In one of the biggest storylines ahead of the NHL free agency period and offseason, Toews is gearing up to make his official return after a two-year medical absence from the league.
There are several doubts surrounding Toews’ level as he steps foot onto a rink with NHLers for the first time in over two years. Still, his pedigree and leadership are enough for several teams to be interested in signing him. What’s left to be seen is if Toews wants to sign for those teams, nevertheless.
According to reports, Toews has now narrowed his list down to less than five teams. With the official announcement expected somewhere around the NHL Draft weekend, Bedard and the Blackhawks will have to sit around and wait. But an insider believes there’s a really good chance Toews joins the Central Division.
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’ camp is narrowing the list down to a handful of teams, with the Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche among them,” insider Pierre LeBrun wrote in his article on The Athletic.
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Would make sense
The Jets have been searching for a second-line centerman for quite some time, but to no avail. Enter Jonathan Toews—born and raised in Winnipeg—who could script the perfect Cinderella story. Perhaps the crystal skate fits just right for the three-time Stanley Cup-winning captain from Chicago.
However, the Jets cannot sleep on their competition. The Avalanche have an urgent need at the center position, as well. Though they re-signed 2C Brock Nelson ahead of the upcoming season, the Avs’ concerns at the dot won’t magically fade with the signing of the contract extension.
Faceoff trouble
Colorado finished 29th in the league during the 2024-25 campaign in faceoff win percentage. No team can truly aspire to win the Stanley Cup when securing possession in less than 50% of the faceoffs. Only one other playoff team finished in the bottom-10 of the league in this stat, the Minnesota Wild, and there’s a good reason as to why they’ve yet to win a series in the last decade.
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Toews, who has been great at the faceoff dot throughout his 15-year NHL career, could be just what the doctor ordered for the Avalanche. Colorado has one of the best cores in the league and it has plenty of experience, as well. They are struggling on one crucial aspect, a hockey fundamental, but Toews might as well be the ultimate solution.
