Aside from drafting their next franchise center at the end of the month, the biggest storyline in the Chicago Blackhawks’ offseason is what the future holds for his predecessor, captain Jonathan Toews. A return to the Blackhawks has seemed very unlikely for some time, given how the end of the season went. Still, speculation around a return, given the impending entrance of Connor Bedard, has been a topic of discussion.
According to The Athletic’s Scott Powers, Toews is expected to be announced in the coming weeks to announce a decision regarding retirement or a potential move to another team in free agency. Toews, 35, took a leave of absence prior to the 2020-2021 season due to Chronic Immune Response Syndrome, which, along with some effects of long COVID, caused him to miss a stretch of games near the end of 2022-23 as well.
Should Toews choose to hang up his skates, it would mark the end of a notable career that includes three Stanley Cup championships and numerous accolades but a debatable reputation as a captain stemming from the sexual assault scandal that occurred during the team’s 2010 championship run. After completing his eight-year, $84MM contract extension signed in 2014, Toews will surely generate some interest from teams looking to fill out their middle six if he does decide to try and extend his career.
More from Powers on the Blackhawks this morning:
- In regards to their second first-round pick in the upcoming draft, 19th overall, the Blackhawks have a handful of players they’re hoping will still be available to them – and they’re likely to select a second forward to supplement Bedard. Among the prospects at the scouting combine, forwards Colby Barlow, Oliver Moore, Calum Ritchie, Matthew Wood, and Brayden Yager are potential options for the Blackhawks. Additionally, the team has shown interest in 6-foot-5 Russian forward Daniil But, and general manager Kyle Davidson expressed a lack of hesitancy to Powers around selecting Russian players in this year’s draft. Looking ahead to the team’s four second-round picks, goaltender Adam Gajan, forwards Otto Stenberg and Bradly Nadeau, as well as defensemen Oliver Bonk and Andrew Strathmann are potential considerations for the Blackhawks.
- The Chicago Blackhawks have made their decision regarding pending unrestricted free agents, says Powers, signaling that after re-signing Andreas Athanasiou, the team is unlikely to bring back any of their other UFAs. Players such as Jujhar Khaira and Alex Stalock, among a few others, will explore options elsewhere as the Blackhawks prioritize their roster composition to provide opportunities for younger players and build out some higher-end support for Bedard via free agency.
- Davidson also indicated to Powers that Arvid Soderblöm and Petr Mrazek are expected to form the team’s NHL goaltending tandem for the upcoming season. Speaking about the young goalies, Davidson emphasized Soderblöm’s potential and the development aspect of their decision-making process so as to not rush their other prospects. Soderblöm, who has already spent time as a North American pro (and played pro in Europe), holds an experience advantage over other prospects like Jaxson Stauber and Drew Commesso.
“…debatable reputation as a Captain…”? Toews said he was unaware of the allegations back then. He wasn’t apart of the meetings that took place with the front office. He didn’t decide to cover it up, and hide the allegations. No one has said they spoke with Toews about the situation back then and idea that a team captain should know everything about everyone is ridiculous.
Kyle addressed the issue with members of the management team, they took it to the front office and the front office silenced them. This rests squarely on the shoulders of the front office. If Toews did know, then that’s a different story. However, thus far there isn’t anyone who is accusing Toews of knowingly staying quiet. Kyle never said he spoke with Toews about this issue, at least back then. So far, the only reputation debatable is of the author of this article.
A) Multiple former players have publically stated every player on the team knew about the incident at the time
B) “debatable” is just that, debatable. Not arguing one way or the other, but doubt has been cast
Yeah, I’m aware what multiple players have stated. However, it’s not possible for anyone to assume what other players did or did not know. Unless there was a team meeting to address the issue and every player took part, any assertion of what “every player on the team knew” is ridiculous.
I get that players who did know might assume because they knew, everyone else knew as well, but that’s just speculation. Unfortunately, the players who did know would want to think / believe that everyone else on the team knew. Because, if everyone else on the team didn’t know, then the few players who did know, are now looking even worse. But, if the whole team knew and no one stood up for Kyle, then it’s easier for them to justify their actions or inaction.
And that’s all totally a fair point — the assertion was still made, though, and given the gravity of it, deserves at least some recognition without being taken as an absolute truth
Curious, was there anyone who cast doubt that wasn’t being paid as a commenter/analyst?
What’s that to you? Come to that, with you throwing cold water on the notion, what’s YOUR interest in all of this? Do you have some ulterior motive or partisan goal in mind?
Evidence has been put out there to support the premise that everyone knew. You rejecting it for no better reason than you don’t like it, or you’ve got a Toews jersey hanging in your closet? Well, hey, you do you, but you’re just another guy in the comment sections, just like the rest of us.
Stop being naive
If there has been any evidence presented, I’d be very interested in learning. However, my understanding is a couple former Hawks players said everyone knew, but didn’t present any evidence to support this claim.
I have no agenda. I prefer facts, not speculation. If there is evidence the entire team knew, then shame on them. That would be completely messed up. So is there any evidence?
If the Blackhawks managed to draft Colby Barlow as well in the upcoming draft, that would be a massive win of a day.
Absolutely – he and Moore are true steals at 19
Honzek would be my first choice at 19 if they can’t move up and he’s still there. Also if they had a shot at Hrabal in the 2nd round I’d take him. Or even trade up into the late 1st to get him or Gauthier. Bedard, Honzek and Gauthier would be an awesome start. You can never have enough good Goaltenders.
That’s why it’s very unlikely to happen; sweeten the pot if you wish to trade up tho. Can’t see Bedard too pleased to lead another tanking season
He’ll be fine if he ends up next to another 1st overall pick.
I’m projecting Hrabal will be taken at 26 by San Jose. I’ve read they have had multiple conversations and he met them in San Jose. Yellow journalism or truth who knows.
Nobody cares when or what day Toews will decide to continue his career or retire, He has nothing left.
I’m pretty sure Davidson has ALREADY said Toews WON’T be back with the Hawks. So that part of the article is pointless. The only question is whether Toews wants to play somewhere else. So I’m not sure what the authors point is. As far as the Beach story goes, It’s all been said before. Everybody in the Organization has to take SOME responsibility for covering it all up to some extent. As the captain, He should of known and if he didn’t, Well there you go.
Mm. Obviously a veteran with Cup rings who can still play the game when healthy, he’d be useful to help mentor the kids, if he could be had for the right price.
But Chicago knew all of that, when they made the announcement that they were cutting him loose. They knew they’d be a rebuilding team, and they know a veteran presence would be desirable. And they cut Toews loose anyway.
Obvious inference is obvious: no matter what, Chicago wanted him gone. That’s pretty profound, when you’re talking one of the faces of the franchise. Leaves someone to wonder: WHY?
It does appear as though the organization was ushering out everyone from the dynasty era. Most of the what was said to the media was likely lip service to fans. It’s mostly likely the org will bring back Toews and PKane as an ambassador or some other capacity. Probably Keith, Seabs, and Crow. Same as Hoss
Nha Trang-Would you want a guy who is maybe complicit in covering up a scandal of those proportions teaching your stud draft picks? Sure information wise they’re invaluable. But the possible taint of that is probably something to be careful of. And Davidson, Right or wrong is staying away from it. I’m not sure what Kane’s involvement would be, But it seems they’re staying away from him also. I can’t think of a better teacher for Bedard. He could take a deal, Rehab at his own pace and just be there. Looks like they’re moving on.
I’ve said this before – I think Kaner signs with the Avs. With Landeskog out, they need additional scoring.
I see that happening as well.
Who’s available at 19 nobody knows but the Blackhawks have their draft board and let’s see who drops there. I, like most Blackhawks fans, would like to see them acquire more 1st round picks.