Former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews hasn't played an NHL game since April of 2023. Since then, Chicago named Nick Foligno captain, won the lottery to select Connor Bedard, and continued rebuilding by loading up on prospects.
On Thursday, Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic reported that the NHL comeback of Jonathan Toews is officially underway.
Toews, according to LeBrun's report, reached out to his agent Pat Brisson to let him know that he is 100 percent committed to making a comeback for 2025-26. At 37 years old, Toews has been skating, working out, and training for this comeback for months. Brisson is going to start taking calls on Toews leading up to July 1 when free agency begins.
There are going to be a lot of teams that consider Toews despite his age. He has been a Selke Trophy winner, one of the best captains in NHL history, and a three-time Stanley Cup champion throughout his career. During one of those championship runs, Toews was the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the MVP of the playoffs.
If he returns to a variation of his old self, he can win face-offs, defend, and chip in on offense. A team might find use for him as a second-line center, but playing as a third-line guy might suit him best for now. It will all depend on which organization takes the risk.
With the way that Toews plays the game and the leadership that he naturally provides, he will be great for a contending team looking for a little bit more depth. It likely won't cost much either.
Toews is the type of player who deserves to go out on his terms. After a couple of years away, he wants to return and see what he can do. Lots of teams will be interested.
