6 teams Blackhawks legend Jonathan Toews could join to make his NHL comeback

Jonathan Toews is officially eyeing a return to the NHL.

According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the former Chicago Blackhawks captain has informed his agent, Pat Brisson, that he is "100 percent committed" to returning for the 2025-26 season.

Toews, 37, hasn't played since the end of the 2022-23 season after stepping away from hockey due to health concerns, including long COVID and Chronic Immune Response Syndrome.

A three-time Stanley Cup Champion (2010, 2013, and 2015), Selke Trophy Winner (2013), and longtime captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, Toews brings elite leadership and two-way play. Now an unrestricted free agent, he is expected to be a key player that teams will look to add to bolster their roster this summer.

Here are five teams that Jonathan Toews could join in the 2025-26 season and why...

1. Winnipeg Jets

Toews returning to his hometown would be a full-circle moment for the veteran center.

The Jets had a historic 2024-25 season, finishing with a 56-22-4 record and clinching their first Presidents' Trophy with 116 points. Despite their regular-season success, they fell short to the Dallas Stars in six games in the second round of the playoffs.

Adding Toews could provide the veteran leadership needed to push the team further in the postseason. His experience and playing in his hometown make Winnipeg an intriguing team to play for.

2. Colorado Avalanche

Already one of the deepest teams in the NHL, the Avalanche could offer Toews a shot at one more Stanley Cup.

Colorado added several key pieces to their team in the 2024-25 season, such as forwards Charlie Coyle, Brock Nelson, Jack Drury, and Martin Necas; defenseman Ryan Lindgren; and goaltenders MacKenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood. They also welcomed back their captain, Gabriel Landeskog, who made his return in Game 3 of their first-round series against the Dallas Stars after missing three seasons due to a knee injury.

Toews would slide perfectly into a bottom-six center role and bring invaluable playoff experience to a team already aiming for another Cup run.

3. Toronto Maple Leafs

Big changes are coming in Toronto, and Toews could be part of the new-look Leafs.

With Brendan Shanahan no longer the team president of the Toronto Maple Leafs and star forwards Mitch Marner and John Tavares both approaching free agency, the Maple Leafs are poised for a reset.

Toews' championship pedigree and defensive responsibility would make him a stabilizing force on a team known for its star players underperforming in the playoffs. He may not solve all of Toronto's problems, but he could give Toronto a little push.

4. Utah Mammoth

The NHL's newest franchise, formerly known as the Utah Hockey Club, officially renamed itself the Utah Mammoth in 2025.

After being seven points out of a playoff spot in their inaugural season with a 38-31-13 record and 89 points, the Mammoth could use Toews' veteran insight to push them over the edge. His experience would be invaluable in guiding the Mammoth to the playoffs in 2025-26.

5. San Jose Sharks

Despite being a rebuild, the Sharks offer an intriguing opportunity.

Toews could take on a mentor role alongside young stars Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. While wins will be hard to come by, his experience and skills can help the Sharks advance to the playoffs in the coming years.

If Toews wants to play a role in developing a team from the ground up, San Jose is a logical fit.

Detroit Red Wings

The Blackhawks and Red Wings have a rivalry with each other, but one thing the Hawks want to see again is reuniting Jonathan Toews with his longtime linemate and close friend Patrick Kane. Detroit was close to a playoff spot the past two seasons (in 2024-25, they finished with a record of 39-35-8 with 86 points, five points out of a playoff spot. In 2023-24, they finished with a record of 41-32-9 with 91 points, but the Capitals edged them out of a playoff spot with a 40-31-11 record—also with 91 points —taking sole possession of the final wild card spot), and could use a veteran like Toews to help them get back into the playoffs.

While many Blackhawks fans would love to see No. 19 back in Chicago, that is not going to happen.

Toews' next destination will depend on his priorities and goals—whether that's chasing another Cup, mentoring younger players or returning home to finish his career.

His comeback story will be one that not just Blackhawks fans will watch but hockey fans in general as free agency approaches on July 1.