Over the last couple of days, Jonathan Toews has been in the news. He told GQ Magazine that he is open to returning to the NHL. Toews is one of the best two-way centers and most notable captains in NHL history so his return would be a big story.
Toews was still a productive player when he last suited up for an NHL game. At 36 years old, there should still be some good hockey left in the tank. Toews is someone who will be in the Hall of Fame after he officially retires so there is reason to believe he’d help a contender.
His leadership abilities might matter just as much as his on-ice hockey playing. You can’t teach the experience that he’s put in his back pocket over the years.
If Toews returns to the NHL, he most certainly will not be coming back to the Chicago Blackhawks. They have no interest in running back as they have already proven with Patrick Kane.
You’d think that Toews will end up with a good team that has a chance to make a deep run. He can bring some leadership if necessary along with a competitive drive that is hard to match. One of these three teams makes the most sense:
1. Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets are one of the best teams in the NHL at 27-11-1 with 55 standings points. Entering 2025, the Jets lead the entire league with that record.
The Jets also happen to play their home games in the town that Jonathan Toews is from. Seeing him go home to a team that has a chance to win a Stanley Cup would be a wonderful story.
The Jets aren’t as strong down the middle as some other contenders either so Toews would fit right in. After Mark Scheifele, there is wiggle room at center so you never know what their plan is for that heading down the stretch.
2. Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are still a top team in the league. After winning the Stanley Cup in 2022, things haven’t been quite as good but they still have a winning pedigree.
The Avalanche are in third place in the Central Division right now with a 23-15-0 record for 46 points. With Hall of Famers like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen surrounded by a good team, they will always have a good chance.
Like Winnipeg, Colorado could use some help at center. Toews is a good option all of a sudden now that he may be trying to come back.
3. New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are one of the deepest teams in the Eastern Conference right now. They have good goaltending, a high-end forward group, and as good of a top-six on defense as there is in the NHL.
If someone was coming back to try and win a Stanley Cup, New Jersey should be near the top of the list.
With the Devils, Toews would not come in and have a chance at a top-six role. Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier are an elite two-headed monster down the middle. Erik Haula is also a safe bet to be the third-line center.
However, at this stage of the game, Toews may make an outstanding fourth-line center as that would allow the Devils to roll four lines in all situations with an emphasis on controlling their own end.
All of these teams are secure in their playoff spots and should be threats once the tournament begins. If Toews does return this year, these three teams make the most sense.
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