NHL Rumors: Surprising Team Linked to Jonathan Toews

The Chicago Blackhawks have made it known that Jonathan Toews will not be back with the team next season. This remains true whether the longtime captain announces his retirement or continues his career. If Toews chooses the latter, there's one team that reportedly could be interested in him - the Edmonton Oilers.

Sportsnet's Mark Spector wrote that "there is some talk" in Edmonton over the prospect of the Oilers signing Jonathan Toews to be their fourth-line center. Spector noted that this move would allow Derek Ryan to switch to right wing.

Toews' health problems could certainly lead him to calling it quits, but if he returns, he could be a solid option for the Oilers' 4C role. Although his days of being a star two-way center are over, he still had a productive year with Chicago in 2022-23, scoring 15 goals and recording 31 points in 53 games. Adding that kind of production to the bottom six would not be bad at all for the Oilers.

Alas, we will need to wait and see if Toews end up being an Oiler this year from here.

photo credit: © David Banks-USA TODAY Sports