Report: Toews and Kane linked to Eastern Conference contenders in latest trade talks

The Chicago Blackhawks enter their 15th consecutive season with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane in the lineup and, according to reports, it may be for the last time.

That's because with the Blackhawks woefully out of the playoff picture before the puck even drops and with both players entering the final year of their massive contracts, they are both prime trade targets. While the talk has mostly surrounded Kane and the reported interest of the Edmonton Oilers, there hasn't been much discussion around Toews. Kane, after all, is the more appealing of the two players being still capable of putting up big numbers... especially with the right linemates supporting him. Toews, on the other hand, is clearly not the player that he used to be. He put up just 12 goals and 37 points in 71 games with the Blackhawks last season, his lowest point total by far. He's now 34 years old and clearly in the twilight of his career, but NHL insiders Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek both reported on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast that Kane and Toews could be headed East. Friedman mentions the Oilers and the Colorado Avalanche as options for both players, but the pair also discuss Kane to the New York Rangers and Toews to the Boston Bruins.

From Friedman:

"I assume Toews is going to be traded, I assume Kane is going to be traded, we both said NY Rangers are the most likely team for Kane. Toews, I've mentioned Colorado. I know I'm trading everyone to Edmonton in this pod but I wonder if Toews would make sense there?"

"Here's another one, would Toews make sense with the Boston Bruins?"

- Elliotte Friedman

How bizarre would it be to see Toews in a Bruins jersey? After all, he's the guy who first hoisted the Stanley Cup in TD Garden when the Blackhawks stunned the Blackhawks back in 2013. As for Kane, I think the Rangers make a lot of sense, but I really, really, REALLY hope he can somehow get a deal done with the Oilers. I mean, how great would it be to see Kane on a line with Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid?