Jonathan Toews Confirms NHL Comeback Plans
Former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews has announced his intention to return to the NHL next season. In an interview with The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus, Toews expressed his dissatisfaction with how his career ended in Chicago and his desire to compete again.
After stepping away from hockey due to long COVID and chronic immune response syndrome, Toews has been undergoing alternative treatments and training to prepare for a return. He never officially retired and still feels the competitive drive to play.
However, Toews made it clear that he will not be rejoining the Blackhawks. The team decided in 2023 to move forward without him, especially with the arrival of Connor Bedard, who is expected to become the new face of the franchise. Toews acknowledged that returning to Chicago would take attention away from Bedard’s development, much like when he and Patrick Kane emerged as stars nearly two decades ago.
Now 36, Toews faces challenges in his comeback. His last full season was in 2018-19, and his production declined before his hiatus. While his offensive numbers dropped, he could still provide value to a contender with his faceoff skills and veteran leadership. If he can regain his conditioning, he could fit into a third- or fourth-line role.
Although seeing Toews in another team’s jersey may be difficult for Blackhawks fans, he has earned the right to determine how his career ends.
