This summer, Jason Newland and I will continue our series looking at potential free agent targets who could be available on July 1.

Target: Jonathan Toews – C –  15 Years Experience

It looks like Jonathan Toews is gearing up for a return to the NHL. After stepping away to deal with long COVID and Chronic Immune Response Syndrome (CIRS), Toews is now healthy enough to resume his career.

He’s going to draw interest. His resume speaks for itself. But given the time he's missed, there’s still some risk involved. That said, a few teams could take a look, potentially even the Columbus Blue Jackets — though that all depends on where Toews wants to play next season.

Stats

Normally this is where we break down last season, but Toews hasn’t played since 2022-23 with the Chicago Blackhawks. That year, he scored 15 goals and added 16 assists for 31 points in 53 games. His best year came in 2018-19 when he put up 81 points in 82 games.

Over his career, he’s played in 1,067 games and has 372 goals and 511 assists for 883 points — which averages out to 68 points per season.

Previous Salary

Toews’ last contract was an eight-year, $84 million deal that came with a $10.5 million AAV. Contract experts believe his next deal could come in around $2 million on a one-year deal.

Realistic Chances of a Signing: Cold

As fun as it might be to see Toews in a Blue Jackets jersey, I just don’t see it. This feels like a situation where he either rejoins the Blackhawks, links up with Patrick Kane, or signs with a Cup contender.

Winnipeg stands out as a strong fit — his hometown team and one that’s looking to take another run next year. It would make a lot of sense and could be a great story, especially for a Jets team that could use some playoff pedigree.

Since the report surfaced that he’s eyeing a return, the speculation has taken off. My top landing spot? Winnipeg. It feels like a good fit and gives him a shot at another deep playoff run.

2025 Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Free Agent Targets: Victor Olofsson This summer,&nbsp;<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/author/spencer-lazary">Spencer Lazary</a>&nbsp;and I will continue our series with more potential free agent targets that could be on the market on July 1st.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Blue Jackets' Top Prospect Falls Short in Memorial Cup Final Columbus Blue Jackets top prospect Cayden Lindstrom and the Medicine Hat Tigers fell short in the 2025 Memorial Cup to the London Knights last night.

2025 Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Free Agent Targets: Dan Vladar This summer,&nbsp;<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/author/jason-newland">Jason Newland&nbsp;</a>and I will continue our series looking at potential free agent targets who could be available on July 1.

Blue Jackets Lose Goalie Prospect To Europe The Blue Jackets and Cleveland Monsters got some bad news regarding one of their goalie prospects.

The Blue Jackets Have Made A Decision On Two Prospects The Columbus have made a decision on two prospects that they had until June 1 to make.&nbsp;