NHL Analyst Reveals Oilers Are a Frontrunner for Jonathan Toews due to One Specific Reason

Toews, 37, was not a contributor to the league for a couple of years because of illness, including Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and long COVID-19, which kept him sidelined for most of the previous two seasons.

His most recent NHL game was April 13, 2023, with the Chicago Blackhawks. With seconds left before that game, GM Kyle Davidson had publicly declared that they would not re-sign their longtime captain.

In spite of the adversity, the three-time Stanley Cup champion has been working for the comeback, hoping to retire on his own terms.

Healthy, Toews' two-way game, leadership, and experience could make him an extremely useful addition for any team that has cap space to work with.

There is growing speculation about where Toews will land. Darren Dreger initially suggested the Winnipeg Jets were in as the front-runner, no surprise, given Toews is a hometown boy.

Toews' relationship with Stan Bowman could push the Oilers as frontrunners

But NHL analyst Chris Gosselin now suggests the Edmonton Oilers can be players as well. The key point to remember: Toews' personal relationship with former Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman, who is now the general manager of Edmonton.

'The Edmonton Oilers could also be in the mix, seeing that Toews' former GM in Chicago, Stan Bowman, is now the general manager in Edmonton.'

- Chris Gosselin

Wherever he goes, Toews' presence will be felt. Clever and a natural leader, he's seen by most as a future coach or executive after his playing career is over. Until then, he's set on one more NHL attempt.