Oilers could put one of Connor Brown, Warren Foegele or Dylan Holloway into the top-6 spot vacated by Kailer Yamamoto. For much of this offseason, future Hall of Famer Jonathan Toews [https://puckpedia.com/player/jonathan-toews] has been linked to the Edmonton Oilers [https://www.hockeyfeed.com/nhl-news/jonathan-toews-linked-to-canadian-contender-ahead-of-free-agency]. He was viewed as a possible fourth-line center option [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/opinion/oilers-should-seriously-consider-signing-jonathan-toews] for the Oilers [https://puckpedia.com/team/edmonton-oilers], but it appears that the chances of that occurring are very low. Related: 3 Possible Trade Destinations for Oilers' Cody Ceci [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/opinion/oilers-3-possible-trade-destinations-for-cody-ceci] In a recent mailbag, Sportnet's Mark Spector wrote that Toews' agency did not include him on their list of free agents. This could be a major indicator that the 35-year-old is set to retire. Former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk5MTMyODg1MTA4NjY0Mjc2/usatsi_20457531_168401874_lowres.jpg] Former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews Toews has hinted at retirement [https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/blackhawks-jonathan-toews-returns-to-ice-hints-at-retirement] previously, and it is not surprising. The veteran center has dealt with chronic immune response syndrome and long-term Covid-19 side effects that have sidelined him often. He most notably missed the entirety of the 2020-21 season and also was sidelined for a portion of this past season [https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/35696468/blackhawks-jonathan-toews-dealing-long-covid-19-symptoms] due to illness. Related: Edmonton Oilers Free Agent Tracker [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/analysis/edmonton-oilers-free-agent-tracker] Even with all of this, Toews was still effective last season with the Chicago Blackhawks [https://puckpedia.com/team/chicago-blackhawks], posting 15 goals and 31 points in 53 games. His decent offensive production mixed with his solid defensive play made him stand out as a possible 4C option for Edmonton [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/news/oilers-reportedly-eyeing-2-flyers-forwards]. Given this latest report, it seems unlikely to occur. Related: Oilers' Nurse is Worth Every Penny of His Contract [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/opinion/oilers-nurse-is-worth-every-penny-of-his-contract] If we have truly seen Toews play his final NHL game, the Winnipeg native has had an excellent career. In 1,067 career NHL games over 15 seasons, he has 372 goals, 511 assists, and 883 points. With that, he is a one-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner, one-time Selke Trophy winner, one-time Mark Messier Leadership Award winner, three-time Stanley Cup winner, and six-time All-Star.
