Jonathan Toews Eyes NHL Comeback
Jonathan Toews, the celebrated three-time Stanley Cup champion, has set his sights on a return to the NHL after taking time away from the game due to health issues linked to long COVID and Chronic Immune Response Syndrome. Following this announcement, sportsbooks have begun releasing odds on where the seasoned center might land next.
Toews’ Performance and Impact
In his last season before stepping back, Toews participated in 53 games, registering 15 goals and 16 assists, for a total of 31 points. Notably, his faceoff percentage remained impressive at 63.1%, showcasing his ongoing value, especially in defensive roles. With the ambition of adding another championship to his legacy, speculation is rife about potential teams that could benefit from Toews’ experience, including his hometown Winnipeg Jets, among others.
Top Contenders for Toews’s Signature
According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, here are the top teams in contention for Toews’s signature:
- Winnipeg Jets +210
- Toronto Maple Leafs +300
- Colorado Avalanche +470
- Vegas Golden Knights +650
- Edmonton Oilers +1100
- Tampa Bay Lightning +1500
- Detroit Red Wings +1900
- Anaheim Ducks +2200
- New York Rangers +3400
- Dallas Stars +4500
Potential Destinations for Toews
The Jets stand out as a compelling option for Toews, not just because of sentimental reasons, but also due to their recent impressive performance, culminating in a Presidents’ Trophy-winning season with a 56-22-4 record. With their captain Adam Lowry expected to be sidelined for an extended period due to surgery, Toews’s leadership and faceoff prowess could be invaluable as they aim for another title run.
Another intriguing possibility is the Anaheim Ducks, who recently appointed Joel Quenneville as their head coach—Toews’s former mentor during his peak years in Chicago. While the Ducks are in a rebuilding phase, Toews could provide essential guidance to younger players and help in reshaping the team’s culture.
As always, the Colorado Avalanche remain a perennial contender, and adding Toews could enhance their already robust lineup led by stars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. The opportunity to contribute in significant playoff situations without the pressure of leading the charge might appeal to him.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are also a strong candidate, as Toews would bring a wealth of playoff experience and could help address their need for two-way forwards in crucial games. His involvement could turn into a high-profile chapter in his career and enrich the narrative around breaking the franchise’s long-standing championship drought.
The Vegas Golden Knights, known for their aggressive approaches to roster building, could also be a destination for Toews, who would integrate seamlessly into their competitive structure. Finally, if the Edmonton Oilers fall short of the championship in 2025, expect them to pursue Toews as a potential seasoned asset to complement their star-studded lineup, joining Connor McDavid in the quest for a Cup.
