Jonathan Toews comeback: 3 ideal landing spots for 3x Stanley Cup champ returning from illness

Jonathan Toews could be making a return to the NHL as the 36-year-old opened up in a GQ article this past week, sharing some details about whether he sees himself playing hockey ever again. Toews has not played an NHL game since April 2023, as he's dealt with chronic inflammatory response syndrome.

The illness caused the former Blackhawks captain issues of inflammation and constantly feeling fatigued. He also sat out the entire 2020-21 Covid-19 shortened season due to the effects of long Covid. He appears to be in a much better place following a healing trip to India for five weeks, potentially even good enough to give a return to the NHL a shot.

The third-overall pick by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2006 has recorded 883 career points (372 goals, 511 assists) in 1,067 games, to go with three Stanley Cups, one Conn Smythe Trophy, and a Selke Trophy. He's known as one of the best leaders to ever play the game and it would certainly be special to see Jonathan Toews back on the ice.

Toews was asked by GQ if his goal was to play in the NHL again, and he responded:

"I haven't spoken about this to a lot of people, but it's definetly still in there," Toews said. "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," Toews added.

His comments sparked speculation about when he could return and what team he could potentially sign with. Let's look at the three best landing spots for Jonathan Toews if he does make a return to the NHL.

3 best landing NHL spots for Jonathan Toews

#1. Winnipeg Jets

The Winnipeg Jets are the clear-cut best destination for captain serious. Toews is a Winnipeg native and would certainly welcome the opportunity to play for his hometown team.

The Jets are a true Stanley Cup contender currently sitting second in the entire league with a 27-12-2 record, good for 56 points. They've had tremendous regular season success in recent years, though it hasn't translated to the postseason.

Jonathan Toews has a plethora of playoff experience and has been clutch in many of those moments so it would be a perfect fit for the player and the team. His addition could move Adam Lowry back to his third-line center role, providing the Jets with more depth down the middle.

#2. Colorado Avalanche

Another Central division powerhouse that makes a lot of sense is the Colorado Avalanche. The Avs are an extremely top-heavy team with the likes of superstars Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen.

What's plagued them since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022 are injuries and lack of depth. With captain Gabriel Landeskog still yet to return and Valeri Nichuskin struggling to stay in the lineup, Colorado's forward group gets quite thin.

Toews would immediately slot into the third-line center spot that Parker Kelly currently occupies. The 36-year-old's faceoff skills would be a much-needed boost for a team who sits 30th in the league in faceoff percentage, and 23rd in penalty kill percentage.

#3. Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to finally break their playoff curse and win a Stanley Cup for the first time since 1967. Adding a three-time champ, who's racked up 119 points (45 goals, 74 assists) in 137 playoff games makes a lot of sense.

His leadership would be very beneficial for the Leafs and Jonathan Toews could slot in as the third-line center, pushing Max Domi to the wing, or potentially the second-line center, moving John Tavares to the wing. His addition would provide the Leafs with more depth and lineup options as they look to break through with the core four of Matthews, Marner, Nylander, and Tavares.