NHL News: Maple Leafs could target 3x Stanley Cup champion from Blackhawks to support Auston Matthews

Toronto Maple Leafs are undergoing a significant rebuild following their painful seven-game elimination against the Florida Panthers in the second round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. The team, led by star Auston Matthews, is now looking to bolster its offense and is eyeing a Chicago Blackhawks legend.

It wasn’t an easy season for Matthews, especially considering the high expectations placed on him. In this context, Toronto wants to add veteran leadership to help push for a deep playoff run and finally achieve their long-standing goal of winning in the postseason.

Along with Mitch Marner’s imminent departure and John Tavares’ possible contract extension, the Maple Leafs continue making moves to restructure their roster. In recent hours, reports have surfaced that Toronto may be eyeing a player from the Blackhawks.

Which Blackhawks legend is Toronto interested in?

NHL insider Nick Alberga from Sportsnet reported that Toronto is showing interest in Jonathan Toews, the three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Blackhawks. “The Maple Leafs are one of several teams that have reached out about potentially signing Jonathan Toews,” Alberga posted on his X account (formerly Twitter).

Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks speaks to the media following a game against the Philadelphia Flyers at United Center on April 13, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.

Bringing in a center like Toews could provide the Maple Leafs with valuable experience, especially considering he won the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013, and 2015. However, several factors complicate his potential arrival, making the Blackhawks legend’s move to Toronto far from certain.

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Will Toews return to the NHL?

Toews stepped away from the league in 2023 to focus on his recovery after suffering long-term effects of COVID-19 and dealing with chronic immune response syndrome. Time has passed, and the 37-year-old forward said he’s ready to make a comeback and has been training for several months in preparation.