It appears that the NHL may see the return of a familiar face, as Jonathan Toews hints at a potential comeback. After stepping away from the game following the 2022-23 season, Toews recently expressed his desire to lace up the skates once again in an interview with GQ. This news has ignited the rumor mill, and one team, in particular, has emerged as a potential landing spot: the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Jonathan Toews to Toronto: A Perfect Fit?
NHL insider Frank Seravalli of The Daily Faceoff has linked the Leafs to Toews, should he decide to return. This rumor makes a lot of sense when you consider the Leafs’ needs. Seravalli points out that Leafs GM Brad Treliving has been searching for a reliable third-line center all season. With Auston Matthews and John Tavares already holding down the top two center spots, Toews would be an ideal fit, adding experience, defensive prowess, and championship pedigree to the Leafs’ forward core.
Imagine a lineup with Matthews, Tavares, and Toews down the middle. That’s a nightmare for opposing teams, and it could be just what the Leafs need to finally break through and make a deep playoff run.
While Toews is no longer the dominant point-per-game player he was in his prime, he can still contribute offensively. In his last season with the Chicago Blackhawks, he managed a respectable 15 goals and 16 assists in 53 games. More importantly, he brings intangible qualities that can’t be measured in stats: leadership, hockey IQ, and a winning mentality.
Of course, any potential deal hinges on Toews’ health and his commitment to returning to the NHL. He’ll need to be on a team’s reserve list by the March 7th NHL trade deadline to be eligible for the playoffs. If he’s serious about a comeback, the Leafs seem like a perfect fit. Treliving has never been shy about making big moves, and acquiring Toews would certainly qualify as a blockbuster.
This is a developing situation that Leafs Nation will want to keep a close eye on. Could Jonathan Toews be the final piece of the puzzle for a Stanley Cup contender? Only time will tell.
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