Iffy Assets: Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane Mending on Different Schedules

The market and marketing for the former Blackhawks stars is considerably different heading into the 2023-24 season. Big-time NHL star agent Pat Brisson reps both 30-something future Hall-of-Famers.

Both Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are damaged goods… and unsigned free agents.

General managers in modern pro sports, the Blackhawks Kyle Davidson included, refer to players as “assets." Right now both former Chicago stars would be risky investments, certainly at anywhere near the prices they’re used to.

Both Toews and Kane are coming of eight-year contracts that paid $10.5 million per season. Even if both forwards were healthy, it would be tough for a team to match that on even a much shorter term. They may be future Hall-of-Famers, but this is a pair of 30-somethings with 16 years of NHL wear and tear.

Pat Brisson is the agent for both Toews and Kane, plus a bevy of other NHL stars. https://www.caa.com/sportstalent/hockeyLooking forward, the dynamics for the former Blackhawks forward are considerably different. 

Brisson will be working more quickly for Kane than Toews. On Thursday, the 35-year-old longtime Blackhawks captain wisely took himself off the market, at least for the 2023-24 season.

In a lengthy Instagram post, Toews said he is “not fully retiring,” but is “taking time away from the game again this season.” A player who not long ago shunned social media, Toews’ post was a professional production with a video montage. https://www.instagram.com/p/CwDqdZMPjQ3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

Toews missed the entire 2020-21 season with a mystery illness he eventually announced as chronic immune response syndrome, a condition that causes debilitating inflammation and fatigue. He started energetically in 2022-23, but didn’t play from Jan. 28 until April 1. During the hiatus, he announced his medical issues included “long COVID.”

Toews played the final seven games of the season, netting a goal, two assists and averaging 16:08 of ice time. He took a long victory lap following the last contest, a 5-4 overtime loss to Philadelphia on April 14 at the United Center, waving thank-yous — and goodbyes — to an appreciative crowd.

Toews isn’t rushing to get back on the ice. In his post, he said, “My focus is to give myself the time and space to fully heal and enjoy life to the fullest once again.”

Toews added he’d share more details on his condition when the time is right. “I now recognize the importance of one day sharing the details of my health journey with you all,” he said.

Kane, by contrast, is rolling full steam ahead to make a return next season. The flashy playmaker, who turns 35 in November, is recovering from hip resurfacing procedure and reportedly seems on track to be skating again — for some team — by then. Brisson said Kane’s surgery was successful and that his client“wants to play for a long time.”

Hip resurfacing is an alternative to hip replacement, for “younger, active patients.” There's little doubt that Kane, a.k.a. "Showtime," wants to dazzle some more.

Kane had played through the hip issue for a couple of seasons, and performed at his typical lofty level until late in the 2022-23 season with the New York Rangers following a Feb. 28 trade. 

He had just five goals and seven assists in 19 regular-season games with New York, finishing with 21 goals and 57 points in 73 games with the Blackhawks and Rangers, his lowest total in a full season.

Although Kane had a goal and five assists in six playoff games for New York, it wasn’t quite the boost the Rangers had hoped for as they fell to New Jersey in the opening round.

Videos of Kane’s dryland training and shooting have already surfaced. If his recovery goes well, look for Brisson to drive the promotion once training camps start.

Davidson says the Blackhawks could add a player just before or early in the season. Look for Kane to join a new team under similar timeline.

Although he won’t get $10.5 million a year, “Showtime” figures to earn more than that veteran defenseman Chicago might pick up.