Elliotte Friedman speculates on Jonathan Toews' NHL future as $26,000,000 worth star eyes return from illness

Elliotte Friedman recently discussed Jonathan Toews’ potential return to the NHL after stepping away for health reasons. The three-time Stanley Cup champion and unrestricted free agent has expressed interest in resuming his career. Toews, whose net worth is estimated at $26 million, per Celebrity Net Worth, has not played since the 2022-23 season. In an interview with GQ on Dec. 29, he shared his desire to return to hockey, generating curiosity about his next steps.

"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," Toews said.

"There’s never any guarantees in life, but I’m going to give it my best shot. I’m going to enjoy every step of the way. As hard as it’s been at times, I look back now and I’m pretty thankful for it all. So we’ll see what happens."

Friedman said the timing of Toews' return is important. On "Saturday Headlines," he talked about the possibility of Toews playing this season or if he'll wait until the summer. Waiting would give Toews more time to train and let teams have more cap space. To play this season, he must join a team before March 7 to be eligible for the playoffs.

"I think the bigger question that he's going to go through now that he's returning to training and skating is, does it make more sense for him to play this year or wait until the summer, train hard, get into the best possible condition, and pick a team in the offseason when everybody has space and cap room?" Friedman said (3:02).

Toews' return will depend on his readiness and the interest of teams. Analysts are waiting to see if he plays this season or prepares for 2025-26.

Jonathan Toews described life-changing detox and said he got stronger every month

Jonathan Toews has started skating again and says he feels better than he has in years. He has faced health issues, including chronic immune response syndrome and the effects of COVID-19. He missed the 2020-21 season and stepped away from hockey in 2023 to focus on his health. He underwent an Ayurvedic detox in India, which helped him feel stronger.

"It was the most life-changing thing I’ve ever experienced and I literally got stronger every month since then," Toews said on Dec. 29, via GQ.

Toews' career includes three Stanley Cups, two Olympic gold medals and several individual awards. In his last NHL season, he scored 15 goals and recorded 16 assists in 53 games for the Chicago Blackhawks.