By: Theo Lander | Follow me on Twitter @lander_theo
The Boston Bruins have recently “inquired” with the Chicago Blackhawks about all-time great Jonathan Toews. David Pagnotta from TheFourthPeriod.com reported that both the Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins, among other unnamed clubs, have inquired about the Blackhawk’s longtime captain. It is unclear at this time how deep discussions have gone around Jonathan Toews and his status with the Blackhawks, but Pagnotta also reported that multiple teams have had conversations with the Blackhawks about his status since this off-season.
While Toews is an apparent focus for the Bruins as of right now, American great Patrick Kane has also been the subject of similar discussion. The New York Rangers, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, New York Islanders, Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and other unnamed clubs have reportedly inquired about Kane as well.
Both Kane and Toews may prove to be difficult players to move, as they both have no movement clauses that would require their consent to a potential trade. Salary cap-wise, both players, carry a $10,500,000 cap hit, which adds yet another hurdle to them potentially being moved.
Toews has cemented himself as one of the greatest centermen to ever lace on a pair of skates. In 2017, the NHL listed him as a member of their “100 Greatest NHL Players” list at the age of 28. He was drafted 3rd overall in 2006 and has been a Chicago Blackhawk ever since. He was nominated for the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year, only to lose to his teammate, Patrick Kane.
The following season, the Chicago Blackhawks named him as captain, which made him the third-youngest captain in NHL history. Two years later, Toews would go on to lead Chicago to their first Stanley Cup championship in 47 years, a season that all but saved the Original Six organization from what many would describe as NHL purgatory. It was in that 2010 postseason that Toews became just the second youngest player to ever win the Conn Smythe. This victory also made Toews the youngest player to ever reach the triple gold club, an accomplishment awarded to those who win a World Junior Championship gold medal, an Olympic gold medal, and a Stanley Cup Championship.
Under his captaincy, the Chicago Blackhawks would then go on to win two more championships, tallying three in just a five-year span. In 2013, Toews was awarded the Frank J Selke Trophy, an award that highlights the best defensive forward in the NHL. His 2015 campaign would include his final Stanley Cup Championship, along with the Mark Messier Leadership Award and an ESPY for Best NHL Player.
While his offensive output has declined in recent years, he is still widely regarded as one of the best defensive forwards/leaders in the sport. Unfortunately, Toews had a tough time recovering from an immune system disorder which forced him to miss the 2020-2021 season entirely.
Through 26 games this season, Toews has tallied nine goals and six assists for 15 points. The Chicago Blackhawks are dead last in the Central division with a 7-16-4 record.
The absolute long-time leader of the Hawks!