Jonathan Toews is making a comeback to the NHL after missing the last two years with injury, and according to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, he could be back this year.

The Edmonton Oilers were among the initial teams linked to signing Toews, but only with the impression of it being in the offseason.

If Toews is able to make his return this season, Seravalli believes he would sign before the trade deadline of March 7th.

»Jonathan Toews has indeed resumed skating. He’s feeling the best that he has in years, and he’s also back down to his playing weight. I’m told multiple teams in Toews They’re not entirely sure yet as to whether or not Toews might try and resume playing this year, in which case he may have to be on a team’s reserve by the Trade Deadline.

– Frank Seravalli

Additionally, Seravalli named the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and Colorado Avalanche as primary suitors for Toews in trade – all contending teams in need of a bottom six centre.

To this point, it was heavily assumed that Toews would not be returning as soon as this season. The suggestion that a return is possible now is a very sudden leap forward in his condition, and great news.

Edmonton Oilers likely out of running to sign Jonathan Toews

Toews making his comeback this season would take the Oilers out of the running, simply because they don’t need that many bottom six veterans, and they don’t need the risk this year.

Whichever team signs Jonathan Toews will be taking on some risk in playing him while he gets back to NHL speed. In his prime Toews was an elite two-way centerman and was still productive with 15 goals and 31 points in 53 games his last season.

At the very least now, Toews still brings the valuable experience of 3 Stanley Cup wins and 1067 career games. He’ll surely he motivated to play his best hockey, too.

It would’ve been cool for the Oilers to acquire another playoff veteran for their bottom six, but unfortunately it just wasn’t meant to be.