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Jonathan Toews Considering Possible Return to the NHL, per Frank Seravalli

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net
By Steve Kwiatkowski | Last updated Jan 3, 2025 2:25 PM ET

On Thursday, Frank Seravalli reported the possibility of Jonathan Toews making a comeback to the NHL. According to Seravalli, Toews is in playing shape and could return before the NHL trade deadline (March 7, 2025) or next season (2025-26). Additionally, Seravalli reported that three teams have expressed interest in Toews.

The Toronto Maple Leafs would like to add a third-line center, and GM Brad Treliving has been looking for one. The Winnipeg Jets have also expressed interest, which is the team of Toews' hometown. The last team expressing interest is the Colorado Avalanche, who are hurting for another center. All teams are Stanley Cup contenders.

An update on Jonathan Toews potential comeback bid tonight on @SportsOnPrimeCA:pic.twitter.com/LUKrSaOAih
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) January 3, 2025

Is Toews ready?

If you have been living under a rock, Toews has been slowly making his presence known to the media. Other than some surfing updates and desert concerts, there wasn't anything concrete about the former Blackhawks captain's status until about a month ago when he posted a health update on Instagram. Toews went through an extensive Ayurveda detox process known as Panchakarma.

The detox was conducted as a way for Toews to address his long COVID symptoms, digestive issues, and immune system issues. Toews extensively details his battle with these health problems in an excellent interview with GQ.

But is he ready? At 36, he's not that old. Before Toews stepped away from hockey, there were a lot of questions about his health. He missed the 2020-21 season due to chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS). In his last season, 2022-23, he only played 53 games and scored 31 points.

Toews' career total is 372 goals, 511 assists, and 883 points in 1067 games played.

Can he be a Blackhawk?

I knew you were going to ask that.

No.

Look. I love Toews. I would love to see him wear a Blackhawk sweater again, impact to the roster be damned. He's my Captain.

Realistically? No. GM Kyle Davidson has made it clear that he's moved on from the old guard. What would his role be anyway? Yes, Toews' leadership is invaluable. I never bought the excuse that having him or Patrick Kane around was a detriment to the locker room.

The Blackhawks also aren't likely to strip Nick Foligno of the C that they just put on his chest earlier this season.

As far as on-ice performance, anything with talent would be a positive to this current roster. Yes, the Hawks need a second-line center, but by the time Toews would hypothetically be ready to play, Frank Nazar should be closer to filling that role. There's also no telling if Nazar is a true NHL center yet. If that's the case, you might find something else in free agency or the draft, not in Toews.

The Hawks require several key components for their current team, and aside from nostalgic memories, Toews doesn't belong there.

But man, I would love to see him play in the NHL again.