Ex-Blackhawk Patrick Kane gives honest thoughts on Jonathan Toews' NHL return
Photo credit: NHL.com
Legendary Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane shared his brutally honest opinion on his friend Jonathan Toews' return to the NHL as a Winnipeg Jet.
Jonathan Toews, 37, hasn't seen NHL ice since April 2023.
The Blackhawks wouldn't re-sign him and chose to let him walk as they began their rebuild.
The former Blackhawks forward was dealing with the after-effects of long Covid and chronic inflammatory response syndrome.
Toews was determined to make his return to the NHL and signed a one-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets.
Both Kane and Toews won three Stanley Cups together as Blackhawks.
Toews was the team's longest-tenured captain until 2023, having served for 14 years.
Patrick Kane's Brutally Honest Feelings About Jonathan Toews' Return to the NHL
Kane's excitement for Toews' return wouldn't be understated.
"I think it's awesome. Obviously with what he's been through, to be able to put himself in a position to come back and be feeling good, I think that's the most important thing," Kane told ESPN on Tuesday. "It could be really a great story for the NHL and for the franchise and for him and his family. So I'm excited about watching him."
Toews stepped away from hockey after the Blackhawks declined to re-sign him. He said he was "not fully retiring" but would give himself "the time and space to fully heal and enjoy life to the fullest once again."
Toews stepped away from hockey after the Blackhawks declined to re-sign him. He said he was "not fully retiring" but would give himself "the time and space to fully heal and enjoy life to the fullest once again."
Last November, Toews posted on Instagram and social media about a healing journey he took to India, leading to his health trending in the right direction.
An exciting prospect for fans of the Blackhawks dynasty-now they'll get to see him lace up his skates for another year in the NHL. Fans were deprived of his presence for the last two seasons.
Kane, now a forward for the Red Wings, has kept in touch with his former captain over these last few years. Their era in Chicago officially ended when Kane was traded to the Rangers in March and Toews left in April, ushering in a new chapter led by Connor Bedard.
It will be exciting to see what the year holds for Jonathan Toews as a Winnipeg Jet. Could a playoff run be in the cards?
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