Bedard has been under a lot of pressure ever since arriving in Chicago. The Blackhawks look at Bedard in hopes he will be the franchise savior. In many ways, Bedard has Toews to thank for the huge shoes left to fill. Toews was drafted third overall in 2006, and it didn’t take long for him to turn the organization around.

Now, Blackhawks fans expect similar from Bedard, though the two situations in the NHL aren’t quite mirror images. Regardless, the fanbase in Windy City demands results, and Bedard—though only 20 years old—is the biggest name called upon for answers. As Bedard and Toews finally meet, the young sensation delivered a sincere message.

“For him, it’s going to be a cool game,” Bedard admitted per ClutchPoints. “Obviously, someone that means so much to the city, the fans, the organization, everyone here. For all of us, it’s a guy we grew up watching. Someone the whole world is rooting for.”

Not as special, though

While Toews and the Blackhawks are in for a emotional evening, nonetheless, it might not be as special as when the former captain returns to Chicago for the first time in the NHL. Fans in Windy City have seen Toews blossom from a prospect to the captain of a three-time Stanley Cup-winning roster. Now, the story will come full circle.

“It’s a cool story for him to get to come back and play at a high level,” Connor Bedard commented to NHL.com. “I think that’s special for even fans here who obviously watched him, he was captain of the three Cup teams. It’s cool for us to get to play him again but I think the game when he comes back [to Chicago] is going to be pretty awesome.”

From Toews’ standpoint, there is nothing but respect and fond memories about his time in the Second City. “I’ve always said I’m very thankful for how things went in Chicago. It was definitely a dream,” Toews admitted. “I had some tougher years towards the end of my time there that help you put things in perspective and make you realize that the success we had is what everyone in the league is going after and it’s a really, really hard thing to do.”

Have Bedard and Toews ever play together?

No, Toews and Bedard didn’t get to share the ice in Chicago. Toews took a medical leave to focus on his health after the 2022-23 NHL season, while Bedard wasn’t drafted until June 2023. The two narrowly missed the chance to play together at United Center for the Blackhawks. So when they face off at center ice for puck drop during the Jets-Hawks game, it will mark the first time the two former Chicago first-round picks meet on the ice.

Regardless, Toews has been following Bedard and Chicago’s every move in the NHL, cheering for them to overcome their struggles. The former captain in Chi-town made that clear, as Toews made an honest admission on the Blackhawks. Bedard, meanwhile, has been following Toews’ recovery journey, hoping to see him make a return to the NHL. So when the two meet, it will be a matchup built on mutual respect.

Toews and the Jets have one quick stop to make before returning home to host Bedard and the Blackhawks in the 2025-26 NHL season. It won’t be as emotional for Toews as when he steps into the United Center in Chicago as a visitor for the first time in his career, but still, the veteran center is already preparing himself mentally to face the team he captained since he was 20.

Now, as Toews looks at the team in Chicago, there are less familiar faces on the ice, and mixed feelings invade the 37-year-old’s body. Looking ahead in the schedule, Toews is already anxious for the matchup with Bedard and company. On that note, he voiced a very sincere statement.

“I’ve been watching them a lot on TV and it’s strange. It does feel like a completely different team,” Toews admitted in dialogue with Mark Lazerus of The Athletic. “They’re just wearing the same jerseys.”

Liking what he sees

As Lazerus mentioned throughout his conversation, Toews slipped up and talked about “we” in multiple occasions when speaking of the Blackhawks. The three-time Stanley Cup-winning captain in Chicago is still acclimating to his new surroundings (even though they are in his hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba). Moreover, as he watches the Blackhawks on TV, he can’t help but root for their success. With Bedard leading the future, Toews is confident the Hawks are on the right path.

“They’ve been fun to watch. They have a lot of good, young talent. Now they have a good idea of where the team is headed,” Toews commented. “There’s no guarantees, but it looks like some of the young picks are going to turn into good players.”

Relatable

Toews’ journey with the Blackhawks shares plenty of similarities with that of Bedard and the current core in Chi-Town. Toews was selected third overall in 2006 and was quickly joined by Patrick Kane, the first overall pick in 2007. From the get-go, the duo carried a heavy weight, as the future of hockey in the City of Big Shoulders rested on their own.

It took some time, but thanks to their rapid development—Toews was named captain in 2008—and a supporting cast built for the biggest moments, the Blackhawks struck gold in 2010. Far from satisfied, they went on to hoist three Cups in six years, winning in 2010, 2013, and 2015.

Poetry in motion

Perhaps too big a shoe to fill, but fans in Chicago hope Bedard and Frank Nazar can lead the next great dynasty in the Second City. There’s poetry in every aspect of the upcoming Jets–Blackhawks showdown.

When Bedard and Toews face off for the first time in their careers on October 30, the 2023 first overall pick will come face to face with the figure many in his city expect him to become. As for Toews, he’ll face a squad full of youngsters whose inspiration to become Blackhawks came from him, Kane, and the Stanley Cup-winning rosters of the 2010s.

The Panthers are the hottest team in the NHL at the moment. Nobody wants to go up against them, yet everyone wishes to experience such success as the Cats. Florida’s dominance would be impossible to explain without Tkachuk. He’s the soul of the organization—the motor that never stops running, or winning, apparently.

Since arriving in Sunrise, Tkachuk has taken his game—and platform—to a whole new level. He’s become a force to be reckoned with across the NHL, and there’s hardly a corner of the league where he isn’t acknowledged.

He’s a problem, indeed

Tkachuk might be disliked by his opponents, but he just wouldn’t have it any other way. The Panthers’ icon is now in the cover of EA Sports NHL 26 for everyone to see and be reminded that the ‘Rat King’ is always watching.

As he graces the cover of hockey’s most popular video game, he revives a tradition not seen since Chicago captain Jonathan Toews did it in 2015. “Matthew Tkachuk is the first EA cover athlete in a decade to hold the Stanley Cup on the cover,” as Bleacher Report Open Ice indicated on its X account.

Tkachuk’s way

As it couldn’t have been any other way, Tkachuk was quick to rub the accomplishment in everyone’s faces, especially those who criticize his style of play and antics.

“Thank you to the ones who believed, and the ones who didn’t,” Tkachuk stated, per @TKACHUKycheese_ on X, formerly Twitter.

Health concerns

While the summer of 2025 won’t soon be forgotten by Tkachuk and the Panthers, the 2025-26 NHL season is looming on the horizon. On that note, Florida’s face of the franchise is expected to miss a big chunk of the campaign.

“We’re going to find out at some point here, that Tkachuk will miss the start of the season. I think he will be back in time for the 2026 Olympics, obviously that’s a huge deal for him. It was always going to be set up that way,” as reported by insider Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast.

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.

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.

Spread the news: three-time Stanley Cup champion Toews is finally back in the NHL. His return will elevate the number of active players with three Cups to seven. However, he will be joining his hometown Jets, who have yet to hoist Lord Stanley for the first time. Perhaps the homegrown kid turned veteran is exactly the missing piece to Winnipeg’s puzzle.

While Bedard and the Blackhawks would’ve loved to welcome their former captain back, their chances of signing him were never particularly strong. Now, Toews is back in the Central Division, where he’ll face Chicago often—bringing mixed feelings to fans in the Windy City. However, shortly after news of Toews’ official return broke, the Hawks issued a heartfelt message.

Statement

“The entire Blackhawks organization would like to congratulate Jonathan and welcome him back to the NHL,” the Blackhawks’ statement read. “The work he’s done over the past two years to make his return is a testament to his resiliency and determination — the same qualities that our fans fell in love with and continue to define him as a player.

“The NHL is better with Jonathan on the ice, and we’re excited to celebrate him when he returns to the United Center with Winnipeg this season.”

Impending decision

While the Blackhawks are excited to see Toews back on the ice after the long journey their former captain has undergone, they have more urgent matters to address. Chief among them, giving Connor Bedard the help he needs heading into his third NHL season.

On that note, reports by Chicago Sun-Times‘ Ben Pope state the Blackhawks will be terminating T.J. Brodie’s contract after a head-scratching production in his first year with Chicago. Now, the Hawks are set to part ways with Brodie, who was expected to make $3.225 million (including a $2.45M bonus) during the 2025-26 campaign.

While the contract won’t become official until July 1, when NHL free agency opens, league insiders confirm that Jonathan Toews has made his decision: he will join the Jets on a one-year deal, potentially closing out his legendary career on his own terms.

Now 37, the veteran center hasn’t played since the 2022–23 season, having stepped away from hockey due to ongoing health challenges tied to long COVID and chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS). During that time, he traveled to India for a five-week holistic healing retreat in pursuit of full recovery.

The Jets made the move official on their X account with a simple and emphatic video post: “JONATHAN TOEWS IS A WINNIPEG JET”

Toews: A comeback with purpose

In an interview earlier this year, the veteran made clear that his return isn’t about legacy or headlines, but about personal fulfillment. “It’s not about proving anything. It’s just that I feel like I still have something to give and I want to explore that. I want to be able to walk away from the game knowing I gave it everything I could,” according to The Athletic.

During his storied career, the former Blackhawks captain collected three Stanley Cups, a Conn Smythe Trophy, a Selke Trophy, and two Olympic gold medals. Known for his elite two-way play and exceptional leadership, he helped define an era of championship hockey in Chicago.

Winnipeg looks to take the next step

Now, the Jets are hoping he can bring that same winning culture to a team on the verge of greatness. After securing the Presidents’ Trophy last season and falling in the second round, Winnipeg is looking for a veteran presence that can help carry them through the playoff grind.

With core stars like Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele, and Josh Morrissey, the addition of a proven postseason performer gives the Jets another layer of experience and depth—especially down the middle.

Seeing the longtime Blackhawks leader wearing a Jets jersey will mark a surreal, emotional moment for fans across Canada. But for Winnipeg, it’s more than symbolic—it’s a strategic step toward a Stanley Cup run, and a fitting setting for one of hockey’s great careers to come full circle.

Toews’ comeback to the league is one of the biggest storylines going into the 2025 free agency period in the NHL. The veteran who led the Chicago Blackhawks to three Stanley Cups in six years during the 2010s is now looking for a new beginning. Matthews and the Maple Leafs are hoping to add an experienced winner, so it could be a match made in heaven. But it won’t be a walk in the park.

On the eve of such a crucial decision, Toews is taking his sweet time. However, he has reportedly narrowed his options to four teams, with an official announcement expected during the NHL Draft weekend on June 27-28th.

Not much has transpired from Toews’ camp regarding the 37-year-old’s stance or preferences, but finances could play a crucial role. In that regard, the emergence of a franchise in a no-income-tax state might prove decisive—and spoil the party for Matthews’ Leafs.

According to insider Darren Dreger, the Tampa Bay Lightning remain in the mix for former Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, as he inches closer to an NHL return.

The dogs in the fight

As reported by several insiders around the NHL, Toews has drawn interest from many teams, but he is mainly interested in four contenders.

According to reports, the Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning are the four sides in contention for the three-time Stanley Cup champion.

Chasing the Cup

Toews is eyeing another shot at the Cup, and while all four teams present a good shot at next year’s trophy, nailing the decision will be critical for the former Chicago captain.

At 37, Toews is expected to sign a one-year deal with his next team. But if he misses out on his ultimate goal, he may not have many more chances left. With only a few bullets remaining in the chamber, his decision—expected to be announced at the end of June—will have huge implications.