The Montreal Canadiens are in the market for some center depth this offseason. Ideally, it'll be a second-line center that they add to the fold, as they need someone who can play in the middle of Ivan Demidov and possibly Patrik Laine. A nice two-way option who can chip in on offense would be ideal, and it'd be a bonus if they also bring some veteran leadership.
Jonathan Toews has recently informed his agent that he is ready to return to the NHL next season. He last played in the 2022-23 season, and there are concerns that a 37-year-old might struggle to keep up after a two-year absence from the game. One thing that could work in Toews' favor is that the return of Gabriel Landeskog in the postseason will be fresh in people's minds as a reminder that it is possible.
"Jonathan Toews reached out to his agent Pat Brisson yesterday to inform him he's 100 percent committed to coming back to the NHL next season. Just spoke with Brisson, who says he will start taking calls from NHL teams on Toews now leading up to July 1," Pierre Lebrun said in a post on social media. "Toews, 37, last played in April 2023. He's been working out the last several months to get himself ready for this comeback."
The probable landing spot for Toews will be with the Winnipeg Jets. It's his hometown team and they are another franchise in need of center depth. It'd make sense that Toews will sign there, as they are a team that could bring him close to his fourth Stanley Cup championship.
It's unfortunate that Toews might never be in the running for a contract with the Canadiens, as he'd be a great player to bring into the fold and mold the young core's minds. He might prove unable to play on the second line of an NHL team with his age and recent layoff, but it's not a player that you want to bet against. It'd be worth kicking the tires if you're Kent Hughes.
Toews had 31 points in 53 games in his last season, and there were already signs of him slowing down. It was likely due to the ailment that kept him out over the previous two years, but everyone will hope that he can make a triumphant comeback and have at least one healthy season before he rides off into the sunset. Everyone deserves a chance to go out on their own terms, especially a Canadian hockey hero like Jonathan Toews.