Jonathan Toews’s mind is made up on upcoming trade deadline

Fans, and even the Chicago Blackhawks keep waiting… The Hawks reportedly haven’t received a decision from Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews on whether they will waive their no-movement clauses. However, the latter opened up The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus on Thursday and revealed what’s on his mind ahead of the March 3rd trade line.

“I have my feelings, but at this point, I still want to keep that to myself and have my own process about it,” Toews said. “I’m not really at the point where I’m talking about it yet. There’s still a lot of things that can transpire over the next month, or whatever. Let’s just let things play out.”

It is believed that Toews could reach a decision when he meets with management at some point in mid-February, just like teammate Kane. Both players have become coveted pieces on the trade board heading toward the March 3 deadline.

Toews has been linked in the past to the Boston Bruins, Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers and Minnesota Wild. The Carolina Hurricanes have also been mentioned as a suitor and their interest could have gotten more serious following Max Pacioretty’s season-ending injury. Perhaps the Hurricanes will attempt to acquire Toews or Kane before the deadline day.

Lazerus attempted to see how happy Toews was, at the moment, in Chicago where he spent his entire career and won three Stanley Cup championships. Toews did admit that a lot has changed since he was draft by the Blackhawks and might be hinting at the end of the era.

“I mean, what’s so bad about it?” he said. “I could be in a lot worse places. I’m pretty thankful for what’s happened in my career. That’s the biggest thing — whatever happens, I can look back fondly and just be so grateful for everything I’ve had in Chicago. I’m not too worried about it. One way or another, I’ll make the best of whatever situation comes up.”

While it could sound like Toews already has one foot out of door, he then got Lazerus reconsider with statements like:

“But then you’ve got to remind yourself that the grass isn’t always greener. I’m pretty lucky to be a part of the Blackhawks family here. It’s not just the organization, it’s the training staff and our athletic trainers, our equipment guys, our strength coach, all those guys. We’ve become a family and I don’t really know what I’d do without those guys taking care of me. Once they’re gone, I realize I’m on my own, almost. Little things like that run through your mind.”

Jonathan Toews

Toews had a great start to the 2022-23 season, was was on pace for a 30-goal season, but he’s managed just two goals since Dec. 23. Nevertheless, he has 27 points in 45 games and remains an effective two-way center and will be coveted at the deadline if he’s made up his mind to move on from the Blackhawks to get another shot at the Stanley Cup.

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