NHL insider reveals Original Six organization was moments away from signing Jonathan Toews

The Jonathan Toews sweepstakes arrived, and then left as soon as it rolled around, it seems like. Toews took a hometown discount to play with the Winnipeg Jets.

The former Stanley Cup champion will add some leadership to a younger roster and hopefully be a force for good. Toews and Scott Arniel hunt for another cup in 2025.

But before the deal between Toews and the Jets was finalized, there was another suitor: Brad Treliving and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The horse race tightened after the Maple Leafs bowed out, leaving only the Colorado Avalanche and Winnipeg Jets.

Apparently, Toews didn't have the "stomach" to play with the Maple Leafs, and Toews's disinterest would lead to the Maple Leafs peeling off the pursuit, according to LeBrun.

Given how entrenched Toews' history was with the Blackhawks, another original-six team might've rubbed him the wrong way. But you can't fault Treliving for trying, as a Stanley Cup champion in the ranks might lead the team to the promised land.

Now, with Treliving empty-handed on both Marchment and Toews, he'll have to explore available depth options on July 1st.

While Toews happily joins the Jets, and will be a part of one of the deepest teams in the NHL.

Ironically enough, he remains in the Central Division with his return to the ice, and a battle between Connor Bedard and Toews should be an exciting matchup this year.

Toews' last NHL game was played in April 2023, and showing up to the United Center in another crest seems almost blasphemous.