3 NHL Teams Former Blackhawks Captain Jonathan Toews Must Avoid in Return to the NHL

With news that the Chicago Blackhawks won't be the team Toews returns to, as they have found their new leadership group, he will have to find a new home.

Where should the former three-time Stanley Cup champion ink a deal with next? The 36-year old center has a some gas in the tank left and hasn't ruled out anywhere else in the league.

While he's not the offensive wunderkind he was, he could still find a spot in an NHL's teams lineup as a depth option. He'd want to sign with a contender obviously, as he could still prove to be great a face-offs, and great defensively.

However, if he wants to win a Stanley Cup, he must avoid these three franchises.

Toews would do well to stay away from the house that Barry Trotz has built. Not only would he look bad in the Predators gold, but even if they acquired multiple superstars during the offseason their record has been dismal, and Juuse Saros has looked bad all season.

The Sabres has the longest active playoff drought in the NHL, and bringing in Lindy Ruff hasn't solved the team's issues. Despite top talent in the league with Tage Thompson, Owen Power, and Rasmus Dahlin there's no winning to be had here thanks to GM Kevyn Adams.

While Toews presence in the lineup would be helpful to young players like Matty Beniers, Shane Wright, and Kaapo Kakko he wouldn't help them move any closer to a Stanley Cup run in the league.

The Kraken punched above their weight once in 2023 defeating the reigning Stanley Cup champs, the Colorado Avalanche and has since sunk back into the deep afterwards.

Keep in mind, Toews comeback isn't a guarantee but we can continue to hope that he feels healthy enough to put on a uniform, even if it won't be the Blackhawks when he laces up his skates again in the NHL.