Does a Jonathan Toews for Patrik Laine Trade Make Sense?

The Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets are two teams headed in opposite directions. The Jets are trying to find a way to get over the hump and into top-tier contention for a Stanley Cup, while the Blackhawks have recently released a statement that the team is rebuilding.

So, let's make a deal!

Jonathan Toews is from Winnipeg, he does a tremendous amount for the community in Manitoba, and across Canada for that matter, with his initiative with Jump Start and Canadian Tire. The Jets should bring the hometown kid...well, home. Not only is Toews the absolute perfect #2 center the Jets need, he would arguably the best second-line center in the league. Sure Evgeni Malkin may have something to say about that, but if the Blackhawks are going to fully 'rebuild' like they say they are, you have to replace the face of the franchise.

Laine would give the Hawks someone who is capable of scoring 40 goals throughout his career, and would bring the fans some excitement in Chicago, while the team tries to make it's way back to relevancy. Laine, 22, is ten years younger than Toews and a totally different personality, if this deal would ever happen, it would be the first of four because you would see Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook all heading out next.

While the Blackhawks recently met with the 'core four' to inform them of a rebuild, the team wanted to hear from the players as well to get a sense of how they feel about the change in direction. It does sound like at this time, the vibe was positive, but if the Hawks spiral out of control, yes...the team is going to make some blockbuster trades. The 'change' is inevitable.

This trade would have to be Laine and say, Mathieu Perrault for Toews, just to make the money work, and you would have to think if it was to actually happen, the Jets would have to throw in at least one high draft pick.

'Captain Serious' would look great in a Winnipeg Jets' jersey, playing in front of family and friends. The Jets would love to pull off this deal, it just doesn't appear, at this time, they will be given that option. But, if the Blackhawks rebuild is too much to handle for the 'core four', Jonathan Toews to Winnipeg will be something we are discussing in the very near future.