Jonathan Toews Linked to Maple Leafs, Jets and Avalanche

Three-time Stanley Cup champion Jonathan Toews hasn't played in the NHL in two years. But he shared recently that he has every intention of making a comeback, sooner than later.

Toews fought a bout of Long Covid that eventually left him with "chronic inflammatory response disorder." But the former Chicago Blackhawks Conn Smythe Trophy winner reported over the holidays that a five-week "healing journey" in India has left him feeling the best he has in years.

Insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff tells us that the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche are teams to watch as Toews weighs his return to the NHL.

An update on Jonathan Toews potential comeback bid tonight on @SportsOnPrimeCA:pic.twitter.com/LUKrSaOAih
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) January 3, 2025

The insider outlines why these three teams rise to the top of the list.

Toronto Maple Leafs

This is a team in dire need of another solid center, and could bring Toews a chance to lift the Original Six club to new heights in the playoffs as they look to make a long run. A player with Stanley Cup pedigree such as this would be a huge addition to the Leafs.

Winnipeg Jets

Toews' hometown team would certainly be on the 15-year veteran's radar, particularly considering their status as a top team in the league with designs on making a Cup run.

Colorado Avalanche

Another team with star power and another legitimate Cup contender, and yet another team that is searching for a centerman to fill out its roster, this would be an ideal fit for Toews as well.

The 36-year-old is one of the best faceoff men of his generation, and one of its most clutch players, as Seravalli points out.

And whether he hopes to pursue his comeback this season is something we'll know within the next eight weeks, as he will need to be on a team's reserve list by the trade deadline on March 7th to qualify for a playoff roster.

His last game in the NHL was Jan. 28th, 2023.