Captain Jonathan Toews has recently returned to skating and has put out feelers in the news of a return to the NHL. It won’t be to Chicago though.

According to NHL Insider Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times, while Jonathan Toews’ return to NHL ice may be apparent, the team who drafted him is out.

This is unfortunate, given that GM Kyle Davidson has overspent this season on veterans who don’t produce.

Just a part of his policy of overpromising, and under-delivering during free-agency. Fortunately, it seems like his drafting is impeccable though.

But, while Toews may be returning there’s not much interest in either party in reuniting.

And how he left Chicago in 2023, might leave a sour taste in anyone’s mouth, as GM Kyle Davidson hollowed out the past leadership group in order to bring in players like Nick Foligno, and Taylor Hall.

“There’s a part of me that really doesn’t feel like my career is over yet, and who knows what this next part of the journey looks like, as far as getting back on the ice and trying to make a return to the NHL. There’s never any guarantees in life, but I’m going to give it my best shot. I’m going to enjoy every step of the way.

“As hard as it’s been at times, I look back now and I’m pretty thankful for it all. So we’ll see what happens.”

According to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, three contenders are linked to the three-time Stanley Cup Champion, and one of them is the Hawks organization.

«The Leafs, Jets, and Avalanche are all legitimate Stanley Cup contenders,« Seravalli said. «They’d be interested to see what one of the most clutch players of his generation still has left in the tank.«

Toews would have a lot to offer either three clubs, as he could return home and help Winnipeg make a deep push into the playoffs. Or he could shore up a Maple Leafs team who are missing Auston Matthews and could use veteran experience on the ice.

A presence we’re sure Head Coach Craig Berube could appreciate.

Toews has 1067 NHL games under his belt, and has scored 883 points(372 G, 511 A) during his entire career with the Chicago Blackhawks. And three Stanley Cups to his name.