Kane Pitches Toews Return to Blackhawks, Toews With Surprise Response

Patrick Kane isn’t just back in a Blackhawks sweater himself — he’s apparently working to bring his old running mate along for the ride.

Appearing on Pardon My Take this week, Kane revealed he’s been quietly campaigning for Jonathan Toews to come out of retirement and play one more season in Chicago. Kane said he floated the idea to Kane and got an interesting response. “I said, ‘Hey, maybe you come back for a year?’ He was like, ‘I’m thinking about it.'”

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It’s an interesting idea, but one that should be taken with a grain of salt. The Pardon My Take hosts treated the comments as though they weren’t entirely serious. So too, Toews hasn’t said anything publicly to confirm he’s actually weighing a comeback.

The timing makes sense. Kane’s return to Chicago — a two-year deal worth $8 million per season — has reopened the door on Blackhawks nostalgia after years of the front office keeping its distance from the dynasty era. Toews, for his part, already made his own comeback attempt last season with his hometown Winnipeg Jets before retiring this past June.

Since Kane’s signing, Toews has been candid about his mixed emotions, telling The Athletic he’s “straight-up jealous” that Kane gets to play for the Blackhawks again. But, does that mean he’s seriously considering coming out of retirement? Is he really rethinking his decision to hang up his skates and now wants his own shot at a Chicago homecoming?

GM Kyle Davidson has also stoked the fire, saying the organization would “love to have Jonathan back” in some capacity, drawing a comparison to how the team brought Marián Hošša back into the fold. But Davidson has been clear that any Toews return talk so far has centered on an honorary sendoff — not a roster spot — and that no concrete plans exist.

Where Things Stand

For now, this is a conversation, not a commitment. Kane wants his old captain back on the ice with him one more time, and Toews hasn’t shut the door. Whether that “thinking about it” ever turns into a signature on a one-year deal is anyone’s guess — but Blackhawks fans will be watching every word from both sides closely.

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