Reunion on Their Radar: Blackhawks Looking to Sign Jonathan Toews

The Chicago Blackhawks may not be done with reunions this offseason. A day after officially bringing back Patrick Kane, general manager Kyle Davidson said Chicago would love to give Jonathan Toews the same send-off the franchise gave Marian Hossa: a one-day contract that lets him retire as a Blackhawk.

“We did it with (former striker) Marian Hossa. Nothing is set in stone, but we would like to follow the same path.”

---

Again, nothing is finalized. Speaking alongside Kane at Thursday’s press conference, Davidson made clear the idea is more a hope than a plan right now, though he said he expects there will be news to share down the road. He seemed fairly confident that this was something the team would get done. Toews, for his part, has already reacted warmly to Kane’s return, saying over text that he’s genuinely happy for his longtime teammate — even joking that he’s a little jealous Kane gets to suit up for Chicago again.

Related: Connor Bedard Was Part of Why Patrick Kane Really Returned

“Awesome news, pretty cool to see him get the chance to go back. The team is heading in the right direction and he’ll bring such good experience and leadership for the young guys in that room. (It) will be cool for the young stars to see first-hand what impact they can have when Kaner gets back on the ice at the United Center. We were texting and as happy as l am for him I told him I’m straight-up jealous that he’s gonna get to play for the Hawks again.”

Toews retired on June 19 after a comeback season with the Winnipeg Jets, his hometown team, following two years away from the game due to health issues. He spent 15 seasons in Chicago after being taken third overall in 2006, captaining the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cups alongside Kane in 2010, 2013 and 2015. He sits among the franchise’s all-time leaders in points, goals, assists and games played, and won two Olympic golds with Canada.

Toews didn’t get a new contract offer from Chicago after the 2022-23 season, and his final home game that April closed with a standing ovation that made clear fans knew it was likely his last in a Blackhawks sweater. He got another emotional welcome back in January when Winnipeg visited the United Center.

Davidson said the organization wants to honor Toews the way Chicago fans already did on their own, adding that seeing him back in a Blackhawks jersey next to Kane’s No. 88 would mean a lot to the franchise.

This feels like a given. The team wants it, and Toews wants it. No timeline has been set, but with Kane already back in the fold, the door for one more chapter with Toews appears to be very much open.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canucks, Oilers, Blackhawks & Bedard’s Draw