Jonathan Toews throws shade at Blackhawks as he eyes a return to the NHL

Jonathan Toews has been out of the NHL for two years, and ahead of a potential return, he threw a little subtle shade at his former team as he addresses a potential comeback.

For the past two years now, many expected that former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews would stay retired, but after a recent health turnaround, he's been eyeing a return to the NHL.

In a March interview with The Athletic, Toews opened up about that potential return, and in the process, he revealed that he's got unfinished business with the Chicago Blackhawks, whose team looks nothing like they did the last time he took the ice for them.

"I'm not satisfied the way things ended in Chicago. It's not about proving anything. It's just that there's something left in the tank and I want to explore that. I want to go have fun, have a blast, play with passion."

While a return to Chicago could be seen as poetic and something that some fans would potentially enjoy, he's also shaded his former team by suggesting he's looking to play at a high level again, which may mean he's not interested in a reunion with his former team.

"I still have some high-level hockey left. I want to be able to step away from the game having said that I've given it my all. And I still think there's something left to give. ... I don’t think that’s a fit for me anymore. I want to go somewhere and have a chance to be myself and play the game. "

At this point, we know very little about the process of his return to the ice, but on "Spittin' Chiclets" back in March, Ryan Whitney made it clear that a return is coming, noting how good he looks on the ice during his skates in Arizona.