Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson stated on Friday that bringing retired forward Jonathan Toews back into the organization is a likely path for the franchise, comparing the potential move to how the team handled former forward Marian Hossa. Toews retired from the NHL on June 19 after playing his final season with the Winnipeg Jets.
Building a Future Reunion in Chicago
The Blackhawks are looking toward ways to honor their former captain following his retirement. According to Kyle Davidson, the organization intends to follow a similar blueprint used previously with Marian Hossa to reintegrate franchise icons into the fold. Nothing is finalized yet, but team leadership views a reunion as a probable next step.
“We’d love to have Jonathan back and bring him back,” Davidson said during a press conference for Patrick Kane. “We did it with Marian Hossa. Nothing is set in stone or anything, but I think it’s likely we’ll go down that path.”
Did you know? Jonathan Toews was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks with the No. 3 pick in the 2006 NHL Draft and spent 15 seasons with the club, capturing three Stanley Cup titles.
Toews’ Legacy with the Blackhawks
Toews established himself as a leader for Chicago after being named team captain on July 18, 2008. Alongside Patrick Kane, he anchored the roster during three Stanley Cup championship runs in 2010, 2013, and 2015. His name remains etched throughout the franchise record books.
According to team statistics, Toews ranks sixth in Blackhawks history in goals with 372 and points with 883. He also sits eighth in assists with 511 and fifth in games played with 1,067. In the postseason, his 137 playoff games rank second in franchise history, while his 119 playoff points rank fifth.
| Stat Category | Total | Rank in Franchise History |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 1,067 | 5th |
| Goals | 372 | 6th |
| Assists | 511 | 8th |
| Points | 883 | 6th |
Farewells and Emotional Returns
After an eight-year contract concluded following the 2022-23 season, Toews was not re-signed by Chicago. He received a standing ovation from United Center fans on April 13, 2023, during what was his final game in a Blackhawks uniform.
Following missed seasons due to health issues, Toews returned to the ice with his hometown Winnipeg Jets. When he returned to Chicago as an opponent on Jan. 19, United Center fans greeted him with an ovation lasting more than three minutes.
“He’s a guy we want to recognize and make sure he’s honored like he was when fans got to send him off in a special way in his last game there when Winnipeg visited,” Davidson said. “Certainly, having him back and having him back with ’88’ (Kane) back in a Blackhawks sweater would be a pretty exciting thing to have them both back in the building as Blackhawks.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Jonathan Toews retire from the NHL?
Yes, Toews officially retired from the NHL on June 19 after playing the final season of his career with the Winnipeg Jets.
How many Stanley Cups did Jonathan Toews win with Chicago?
Toews won three Stanley Cup championships with the Chicago Blackhawks, hoisting the trophy in 2010, 2013, and 2015 alongside Patrick Kane.
Will Jonathan Toews return to the Blackhawks organization?
While no concrete plans have been finalized, general manager Kyle Davidson stated that bringing Toews back into the fold is a likely path for the franchise.
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