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After nearly two years away from the NHL, Jonathan Toews is reportedly considering a comeback – and the Toronto Maple Leafs are among the teams keeping a close eye on the former Chicago Blackhawks captain.
The three-time Stanley Cup champion last played during the 2022-23 season, where he registered 15 goals and 31 points in 53 games. Now, after time away from the sport to address his battle with Chronic Inflammatory Response Disorder, Toews has resumed skating, reportedly returned to his playing weight, and could be ready to rejoin a team in the NHL.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli broke the news during Amazon’s Sports On Prime Canada broadcast Thursday, identifying the Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and Colorado Avalanche as potential suitors for the veteran center.
For Toronto, Toews represents a unique opportunity to add championship pedigree and depth to a team with Stanley Cup aspirations.
“It’s been almost two calendar years since we’ve seen Jonathan Toews on the ice but I can tell you that there’s no shortage of teams whose interest peaked over the holidays when Toews detailed his five-week healing journey in India as he’s been suffering from Chronic Inflammatory Response Disorder,” said Seravalli. “He’s feeling the best he has in years and hinted in that story that he might want to resume his NHL career.”
While it remains unclear whether the 36-year-old will attempt a comeback this season – he would need to be on a reserve list by the March 7 trade deadline – or wait until the 2024-25 campaign, multiple teams have expressed interest in his services.
“I’m told that multiple teams expressed interest in Toews, a potential return, to his agent, Pat Brisson from CAA Sports. They’re not entirely sure yet as to whether or not Toews might try and resume playing this year, in which case he’d have to be on a reserves list by the trade deadline on March 7, or if this is something that will wait until next year,” Seravalli explained.
For the Maple Leafs, Toews could fill a significant hole as general manager Brad Treliving has reportedly begun prioritizing adding a third-line center to bolster the team’s depth down the middle. Injuries to star Auston Matthews and other key contributors this season have highlighted the Leafs’ need for reinforcements.
Related: ‘They Would Prefer Someone With Term’: Maple Leafs Reportedly Interested In Center Depth, Exploring Trade Options for Sustained Solution
Toews’ 15 NHL seasons worth of experience, including three Stanley Cups, and a Conn Smythe Trophy – makes him an attractive option.
“One of them is the Toronto Maple Leafs. A third-line center has been on Brad Treliving’s wish list all season long.” Seravalli said. “Three legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, all of whom would be interested to see what the three-time Stanley Cup winner and one of the most clutch players of his generation would still have left in the tank,” he added.
The Leafs, as mentioned, won’t be the only team vying for Toews’ services if he decides to return. The Jets, Toews’ hometown team, and the Avalanche, who are also seeking help down the middle, also have strong cases. Both teams, like Toronto, are considered contenders this season.
While Toews represents a compelling option, the Leafs are reportedly exploring other avenues to address their need for a center. Names like Brock Nelson, Yanni Gourde, Ryan O’Reilly, Nazem Kadri, Mikael Granlund, and Nick Bjugstad have surfaced in trade rumors.
Related: Brock Nelson, Yanni Gourde Viewed as ‘Best Fits’ for Maple Leafs’ Center Depth: Should Toronto Pursue Them?
Still, Toews’ potential return is one of the most intriguing storylines as the NHL trade deadline approaches – and not something Treliving and Co. should immediately shy away from.
Not to mention, the forward confirmed his desire to return to the National Hockey League on Sunday in an interview with GQ.
“There’s a part of me that really doesn’t feel like my career is over yet, and who knows what this next part of the journey looks like, as far as getting back on the ice and trying to make a return to the NHL,” Toews said. “There’s never any guarantees in life, but I’m going to give it my best shot.”
Only time will reveal whether Toews makes his return, but for any team eyeing a deep playoff run, including the Leafs, they shouldn’t be so quick to hang up the phone.
Toews has registered 417 goals, 585 assists, and 1,002 points across 1,204 regular and postseason games in the NHL.
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