At the end of the 2022-23 NHL season, there was a perception in the hockey world that there was some animosity between the Blackhawks’ new front office and two of the greatest players to ever wear the sweater, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.
Before that season, Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson informed both of the team’s leaders that they wouldn’t receive another contract from the organization. Kane was traded to the New York Rangers before the trade deadline; Toews’ health issues kept him from playing a full season, and he received a send-off from the United Center crowd that the longest-tenured captain in Blackhawks history deserved.
There was some talk on social media that the organization wanted to separate itself from the dynasty teams completely. Duncan Keith had become a scout for the Edmonton Oilers, Brent Seabrook joined the front office of the Calgary Flames and Patrick Sharp joined the front office of the Philadelphia Flyers. Though the organization never said as much, the perception was there for people to grab onto and run with as a theory.
When they returned, first Kane with the Red Wings and then Toews with his hometown Winnipeg Jets, each received incredible ovations that lasted for minutes. Both legends spoke before and after the game about how much the Chicago Blackhawks organization and fans meant to them personally and as a hockey player. Fans still love (present tense) both players.
But it felt like we would never see either of them back in Chicago — in any capacity — with the Blackhawks.
That all changed this past week when the Blackhawks brought Kane back on a two-year contract.
Not only did Kane and Davidson eliminate the theory that there was “bad blood” between the star player and the front office, but Kane also shared that an emotional conversation with Danny Wirtz played a big role in his decision to come back. The door really, truly was still open for Kane to be part of the Chicago Blackhawks.
In a column by Mark Lazerus at The Athletic, Toews was quoted as saying “as happy as I am for him I told him I’m straight-up jealous that he’s gonna get to play for the Hawks again.”
Toews announced his retirement from the NHL officially on June 19. The opportunity for him to wear the Indian head on the ice again appears to be gone. But that doesn’t mean a door is closed to a return.
Blackhawks captain Jonathan ToewsBlackhawks Need to Bring Back Jonathan Toews, Too
The media availability with Kane and Davidson ended with a question about Toews potentially signing a one-day contract to *officially* retire as a Blackhawk. Davidson reiterated that the organization is always open to a reunion.
“We would love to have Jonathan back and bring him back,” Davidson said Friday.
“But certainly, having him back and having him back with 88 back in a Blackhawk sweater would be a pretty exciting thing, too, to have him both back in the building as Blackhawk. … But, again, much like I’ve said in the past with Patrick, Jonathan, he’s a Blackhawk for life.”
While the organization made sure to clearly state that there are no concrete plans yet for Toews to come back in any form, the door is open.
So, hear me out.
Not only should Toews get his flowers from the Blackhawks and get the chance to share a moment with the fans as a member of the organization, but how about a role in the front office while we’re at it?
The Blackhawks have benefitted from the influence of one of Toews’ former teammates, Brian Campbell, who is an “advisor” in the hockey operations department. Players and prospects speak frequently about interactions with Campbell breaking down tape and talking about their game. He knows hockey, he played at a high level and he knows what it takes to succeed in the NHL.
Does anyone know what it takes to succeed better than Toews?
Short of maybe Stan Mikita, has anyone represented the Chicago Blackhawks longer/better than Toews?
If Toews has any interest in working in player development or talent evaluation, why not allow him to begin that journey in his “home” with the Blackhawks instead of another organization?
If Toews is open to it, it appears the Blackhawks are more than willing to engage in a conversation.
Bring the circle to completion. Kane’s already back. Bring back Toews, too.
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