Jonathan Toews, the Chicago Blackhawks captain who led the team to three Stanley Cup championships, might be close to returning to the club he helped define. After playing the last season with the Winnipeg Jets, the 37-year-old is weighing a potential one-day contract with Chicago. Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson has publicly supported the idea, stating, 'We'd love to have Jonathan back and bring him back.' The return would mark the end of a long hockey and health journey for Toews, who has dealt with long-term health complications, including long COVID.
Toews' Absence and Return
Toews took a significant break from the sport, spending two years away from the NHL while undergoing Ayurvedic treatment in India. This absence forced him to sit out for two full seasons before making a comeback with the Jets. Now, with Patrick Kane rejoining the Blackhawks on a two-year contract, the stage is set for the reunion of one of the most iconic duos of this generation. Kane even mentioned in a recent interview with the Pardon My Take show that Toews told him he's thinking about returning.
Any return for Toews would not focus on his on-ice performance. Last season, he recorded 11 goals and 29 points in 82 games for the Jets, a far cry from his prime. Instead, the move would be about legacy, storytelling, and the emotional impact of seeing a legend return. Toews' experience, leadership, and history with the team could offer something meaningful for the franchise and its fans.
The Marc-Andre Fleury Path
Legacy Over Performance
A potential return for Toews could follow a path similar to the one Marc-Andre Fleury took last year with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Fleury retired after the Wild's elimination in the 2024-25 playoffs, then signed a professional tryout contract with Pittsburgh. He played one preseason game for the team that once won three Stanley Cups with him, a moment that gave both the team and the fans a chance to properly honor his legacy.
This scenario could be the perfect model for the Blackhawks. The team has struggled in recent years, finishing last in the Central Division for four straight seasons. Despite the team's current struggles, the return of Kane and possibly Toews could offer a spark to a fanbase that has not seen success for years. For Toews, it would be a way to give back while also receiving a proper farewell from the team where his career was forged.
Challenges of a Return
However, the NHL's shortened preseason this year presents a challenge. With only two or three exhibition games planned, Toews' return would take a spot from another player. This is a tough tradeoff, but given Toews’ place in Chicago's history, many would see it as worth it. It would also give young players like Connor Bedard a chance to see the kind of leadership and legacy that can shape a team.
Whether Toews suits up for a single game or plays a larger role in the season, the moment would be unforgettable. It would not just be a win for Toews and Kane, but also for the city of Chicago and the NHL as a whole. Given the support from both GM Kyle Davidson and Toews himself, a symbolic farewell return for the veteran is within reach.