Earlier this week, Chicago was hit with the thrilling news that not only was the health of franchise legend Jonathan Toews trending in the right direction, but he was even leaving the door open for a return to the NHL. It was a completely unexpected bombshell from a player who has been completely out of the public spotlight since he played his last game at the United Center at the end of the 2022-23 season.
On Thursday night, it was revealed that Toews’ potential return is more than just a publicity stunt. Insider Frank Seravalli revealed that the 15-year veteran has resumed skating after his five-week healing trip to India. According to Seravalli, Toews “is feeling the best that he has in years” and is at his playing weight.
The fact that Toews feels good enough to resume skating is great news on its own. It was tough for Blackhawks fans everywhere to see their captain leave the way he did – not on his own terms. After his health derailed toward the end of his tenure in Chicago while suffering from chronic immune response syndrome, everyone assumed he would be hanging up his skates forever, even though he said he would simply be taking the 2023-24 season off.
Then, Seravalli dropped an equally large bomb. He revealed that “several” teams have expressed interest in Toews, including the Maple Leafs, Jets and Avalanche. If a team was to sign him, they would have to do so by the trade deadline on March 7 if they want him to be playoff eligible. For what it’s worth, the Jets are the opponent for Chicago’s last home game of this season.
If Toews does indeed come back, there’s almost no chance he’ll do so in a Blackhawks sweater. The organization continues to make it clear that they have fully moved on from the dynasty of the 2010s, refusing to sign Patrick Kane even when given the opportunity. It’s a business, after all, and Chicago especially doesn’t want to sign a player who could potentially outshine Connor Bedard.
Even though it’s been nearly two full calendar years since he suited up, it would be great to see Toews back in the NHL again in any sweater. No one knows quite how the legend would look in game action, and it’s certainly a risk for any team, especially a playoff one. The decision to sign him could also offer huge benefits. It’s unrealistic to expect Toews to assume a top-six role, but he could be a valuable bottom-six center on a playoff team, especially one that struggles at the dot – Toews still boasts a career faceoff win percentage of over 57 percent.
