Former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews fully intends to make an NHL comeback next season, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported Thursday.

The 37-year-old veteran hasn’t played since the 2022-23 season for Chicago, when he stepped away from the game to focus on his health.

With the dearth of high-quality, competitively accomplished centers out on the UFA market this summer, Toews should get plenty of attention. Although it will be tough to return after that much time off, the three-time Stanley Cup winner should get to pick the destination where he may well finish off a Hockey Hall of Fame-caliber career. 

Here are three potential fits for Toews next season.

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets are coming off a disappointing second-round exit from this year’s playoffs after winning the Presidents’ Trophy. Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is famous for doubling down on his core, but if he does make a meaningful change, adding Toews – a hometown Winnipeg boy – would go over like gangbusters in Manitoba.

And really, if you’re Toews, and you’re looking to author your eventual exit from hockey’s best league, what better choice than to potentially bring home a Cup to the Jets? 

Winnipeg’s depth at forward means Toews wouldn’t be burdened with too big a workload, and he’d also have the instant support of Jets fans who aren’t accustomed to seeing their team win when it comes to luring in big-name free agents.

The pressure on Toews in Winnipeg would be significant. However, elite athletes of his caliber have a deep wellspring of self-belief, and the swagger Toews would bring to the Jets’ table could be the ideal ingredient Winnipeg needs to elevate its overall game. 

The Jets have a projected $26.4 million in cap space, so money wouldn’t be an object preventing Toews from signing in Winnipeg. And a potential storybook ending might be what puts Toews in a Jets uniform for the rest of his career.

Anaheim Ducks

At first glance, the Ducks don’t appear to be the favorite to land Toews’ services. But on Sportsnet’s 32 Thoughts podcast, Kyle Bukauskas wondered about Toews going to Anaheim, with the main connection being new Ducks bench boss Joel Quenneville, who coached Toews when they won the Cup in the Windy City.

Being part of a Ducks franchise looking to take the next competitive steps might be the challenge Toews is looking for. After a lifetime of pressure-cooker situations in Chicago, playing in the relatively quiet confines of California could be just what Toews wants at this stage in his career.

And let’s not kid ourselves – if Toews is looking to end his playing days by getting one last significant payday, Anaheim has more than enough salary cap space, a whopping $38.6 million, to outbid other teams for Toews. That combination of big money, peaceful existence and a familiar coach could ultimately give the Ducks the edge to land Toews.

Toronto Maple Leafs

A lot of stars would have to align for Toews to put on a Maple Leafs jersey.

That said, if Toronto moves on from one or both of star forwards Mitch Marner and John Tavares, the Leafs will need to fill the role of a third-line center. Wouldn’t that be perfect for Toews?

The Toronto market isn’t for everyone. But it’s not as if Toews has been big-market-averse in his NHL career. He embraced the challenges of playing in an Original Six, major-media town in Chicago, and he may decide that’s the type of environment he wants to finish his playing days in.

Given that Toronto GM Brad Treliving wants his team to undergo a DNA change, Toews’ experience as a leader and champion could help that happen.

Where Else?

The Hockey News’ Sam Stockton suggested the Detroit Red Wings as an unlikely destination for Toews, but the potential to play with former teammates Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat could be enticing.

Karine Hains wondered about Toews joining the Montreal Canadiens, saying he wouldn’t be the second-line center the team needs, but his presence could be a plus.

Rob Couch suggested the New Jersey Devils and Florida Panthers on top of Winnipeg as options.

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