What would be the absolute worst case for the Blackhawks if former star forward Jonathan Toews signed with another team? Or, better yet, the more accurate question is when Toews signs elsewhere? You know it’s coming and so does the rest of the NHL universe.
For example, if he signed with the Winnipeg Jets or Dallas Stars, two division rivals, and won a Stanley Cup, I doubt anyone would bat an eye. But what if Toews signs with a team that’s no longer a division rival, but nonetheless a heated one? Then what? Yeah, fans may not be happy about it, but does it mean he should be any less liked?
No. But what if he signed with that team, the Detroit Red Wings, and ended up hoisting Lord Stanley’s Cup alongside the likes of former Blackhawks Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat? There would be resentment, no doubt, especially if the Blackhawks are still struggling to string two wins together. But to be honest, fans shouldn’t sweat if it happens.
Jonathan Toews did too much for Blackhawks fans to care…
In case some of you need reminding, here’s what Toews did during his time with the Blackhawks: He played in 1,067 games between 2007-08 and 2022-23, finishing that stint with 883 points and 372 goals. He won the city three Stanley Cups, the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010, the Selke Trophy in 2013, and the Mark Messier Award in 2015.
There’s a good chance that, when his playing career ends, very few, if any, future Blackhawks players will wear No. 19. And if they do, it means they got some big skates to fill, considering Toews’ Hall of Fame-worthy resume.
And the reality is, Toews isn’t playing anywhere that won’t give him a legitimate chance to hoist the Stanley Cup. That means there’s a lesser chance he’d sign with someone like Detroit, a fringe contender that can’t seem to get out of its own way. But it doesn’t mean Toews would say no to an opportunity to play alongside Patrick Kane again, would it?
Jonathan Toews winning a Stanley Cup in a place like Detroit still…
Wouldn’t, nor should it, take away from all he did in Chicago and for the Blackhawks. Toews is and should always be a legend in the Windy City, even if he went to the Motor City and won another three Cups. Spoiler Alert: He’s probably retiring if he wins just one, but you can never be too certain.
Toews will go down as more than just one of the greatest Blackhawks ever, but one of the greatest players in the history of Chicago sports. Fans may not like the idea of him suiting up for a team like the Red Wings, but still, if you were him and you felt you still had something to give but a limited time, would you waste it playing for a rebuilding team?
Personally, there’s no way I would, nor do I feel like anyone should expect me to. That said, I wouldn’t be disappointed at all if Toews returned, signed with a historical rival like Detroit, and won the Cup one last time.
