Patrick Kane makes his feelings known about Jonathan Toews' potential return to NHL

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane opened up about the possibility of his former Chicago Blackhawks teammate Jonathan Toews making a comeback.

Toews last played in the NHL during the 2022-23 season. Since then, he has missed two calendar years due to a chronic inflammatory illness. However, Sportsnet reported that Toews is eyeing a comeback, as he feels ready to return to the ice.

The news prompted Kane, Toews’ longtime friend, to say about Toews’ potential NHL comeback:

“I’d love to see him come back and play for the Blackhawks. That would be amazing.”

The positive comments echo feelings around the league regarding Toews’ possible return. But when thinking about the team Toews could play for, Patrick Kane said:

“When you look at his career and how storied it is and how much success he had as a Blackhawk, you don’t want to see him wear another jersey. … I don’t know if that’s really in the cards. That’s just my thinking.”

Toews has played his entire 15-year NHL career with the Blackhawks. He has suited up for 1,067 regular-season games, winning three Stanley Cups. While Toews and Blackhawks would seem like a logical fit, there’s no telling if both sides could be a fit at this point.

It remains to be seen if Toews and the Blackhawks are interested in a reunion, as Patrick Kane seems to believe, or if Toews continues his career elsewhere.

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Patrick Kane's move to Detroit an example for Toews

Patrick Kane was Toews’ wingman during those historic cup runs in the 2010s. Kane played in 1,161 games for Chicago, scoring 446 goals and 1,225. He last played for the Blackhawks during the 2022-23 season.

However, with the Blackhawks mired in a complicated rebuild, Patrick Kane and the Blackhawks parted ways. Kane signed with the Detroit Red Wings during the 2023 offseason, providing veteran leadership to a young, emerging team.

In two seasons with the Red Wings, Kane has played 85 games, scoring 29 goals and racking up 69 points. The 36-year-old plays a top-six role in Detroit, showing that he has the skills necessary to be a productive NHL winger.

Kane’s successful move to Detroit could be a signal that if, and when, Jonathan Toews returns to the NHL, he could prolong his career playing with another team. Rumors have suggested that Toews might land with a team like the Colorado Avalanche or the Toronto Maple Leafs.

However, there's no clear indication that it may be the case. Nevertheless, Kane’s example is one Toews can take to heart, knowing that he has plenty to offer to teams willing to give him another shot.