Blackhawks fans need to give up on the Jonathan Toews return dream

The Chicago Blackhawks fanbase has been on cloud nine for the past week. That's because their former franchise superstar, Patrick Kane, is returning. After a decision that included the Buffalo Sabres, Kane opted to return to the Blackhawks on a two-year, $16 million contract. Although the price point was criticized, it really was nothing for the Blackhawks, as they had the space to make it work.

With Kane now back in Chicago, there may have been a portion of the fanbase you know of that suggested Jonathan Toews making a comeback as well. Then, a quote from Toews went viral.

During an appearance on the Pardon My Take podcast, Kane revealed that he spoke with Toews after signing with the Blackhawks to keep him in the loop. Kane said he suggested maybe Toews return for another season. Kane said that Toews replied with "I'm thinking about it."

While the quote is surfacing, it's important that Blackhawks fans know not to take that too seriously.

A Jonathan Toews return to the ice for Blackhawks isn't happening

It's important to note that you listen to the context and tone of the quote from the podcast, which is around the one hour and 33 minute mark. Kane suggested that Toews return in a tongue-and-cheek tone, hence Toews' response that he's "thinking about it."

Toews also reached out to The Athletic about Kane's signing, he did admit that he was a bit jealous that he gets to play for the Blackhawks again.

“Awesome news, pretty cool to see him get the chance to go back,” Toews said via text message to The Athletic. “The team is heading in the right direction and he’ll bring such good experience and leadership for the young guys in that room. (It) will be cool for the young stars to see first-hand what impact they can have when Kaner gets back on the ice at the United Center. We were texting and 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.”

Let's not forget that Toews just retired from the NHL this offseason. He made his return this past season with the Winnipeg Jets after sitting out for multiple years while battling with the effects from long COVID-19 and chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS). He did not return to the Blackhawks this past season, instead opting to play for his hometown team, the Winnipeg Jets.

This season with the Jets, Toews played in all 82 games, recording just 29 points. After the season ended, Toews took time before announcing his retirement from the NHL on June 19.

"I have to say I'm satisfied; I'm fulfilled. I'm so thankful and grateful for the career I had," Toews said.

Jonathan Toews could sign a contract to retire with Blackhawks

While playing for the Blackhawks is essentially out of the picture, that doesn't mean a return is out of the cards.

During Kane's introductory press conference this past week, Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson revealed that he is open to offering a one-day contract to Toews so he can retire with the organization he won three Stanley Cup titles with.

“We’d love to have Jonathan back and bring him back," said Davidson, h/t NHL.com. "We did it with (former forward) Marian Hossa. Nothing is set in stone or anything, but I think it’s likely we’ll go down (that path)."

So, it's possible that Toews could retire with the Blackhawks at some point in the future. From there, a jersey retirement could also be in the cards.

But for those seeing the quote from Toews, via Kane, it should not be taken seriously. Toews isn't going to be playing for the Blackhawks.

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