Rumours blow up following Jonathan Toews’ latest NHL comeback update

Jonathan Toews keeps recovering after he commented earlier this season that his NHL career might not be over yet. Toews previously shared updates on his recovery via his Instagram account, posting pictures of his trip to India where he underwent “an Ayurvedic detox called a Panchakarma”. He keeps hinting at a return to the NHL as he remained a free agent, with many teams around the league interested in signing the veteran forward.

On Tuesday, former NHLer Ryan Whitney offer a great update on Toews on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, convinced that the former Chicago Blackhawks captain will be playing in 2025-26.

“He’s playing next year bud… He’s playing…

..He’s skating everyday in Arizona, He’s playing.”

As soon as Whitney utter those fans, several fans were excited and already throwing destinations on where Toews should sign, though most are convinced he will not return to Chicago. Rumours immediately emerged in the comments, sending him with the Edmonton Oilers or Toronto Maple Leafs, the Winnipeg Jets or even with the Detroit Red Wings to once again play side by side with Patrick Kane.

However, other fans are being more realistic or even down right pessimistic as they fear Toews will not be able to keep up in today’s NHL or that he should realize he does not have the ideal health status to return to the league.

I prefer to focus on the positive.

Toews has not only resume skating and that he is back down to his playing weight. It is more than likely that Toews will use again his former agent Pat Brisson, who is expected to find the best deal and destination for his client.

In 2022-23, Toews played out the last of an eight-year, $84 million contract he signed with the Blackhawks in 2014 that carried an AAV of $10.5 million, after missing the 2020-21 bubble season while recovering from COVID-19 and chronic immune response syndrome. He was then informed by general manager Kyle Davidson prior to the team’s final game of the season that he would not be re-signed. In August of 2023, Toews announced that he was stepping away from hockey “to give myself the time and space to fully heal and enjoy life to the fullest once again.”

Toews would be a tremendous addition to any NHL roster with his Stanley Cup three times (2010, 2013, 2015) he won with the Blackhawks. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2009-10 and the Frank Selke Trophy in 2013. He has played his entire career with the Blackhawks after he was selected third overall by the club in the 2006 NHL Draft. He recorded a total of 372 goals and 511 assists over 1,067 games.

Where would you want him to sign upon his return?