Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is reportedly considering a return to the NHL after two years away. The 37-year-old hasn’t played since April 13, 2023, and took time off to recover from chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) and long COVID-19 symptoms. He went to India for holistic therapy, and now, with his health back, he’s ready to come back.
A three-time Stanley Cup champion, Toews’ return has the league buzzing. He may not be the goal scoring machine he used to be, but his leadership and defensive reliability could be a valuable asset for teams in transition, like the Boston Bruins.
Why the Boston Bruins Need Jonathan Toews
The Boston Bruins are at a crossroads in their franchise history. As they rebuild, they’re relying on emerging leaders like David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy to carry the torch. But there’s a void of veteran stability that Toews could fill.
Toews wouldn’t be brought in to score goals. Instead, his role would be to provide defensive dependability, playoff experience, and mentorship for Boston’s young core. Think of someone like Jordan Staal with the Carolina Hurricanes or Nick Foligno during his time with the Bruins—a steady, defense first presence who commands respect in the locker room.
For the Bruins to sign Toews to a short-term deal (perhaps two years at $3-4 million AAV) would be a low-risk, high-reward move. It would allow them to add to their leadership group without overcommitting cap space during this transition phase.
Risks of Signing Jonathan Toews
Of course, bringing in a player who hasn’t played in two years comes with risks. Toews’ last NHL season (2022-23) was his worst statistically, with 31 points in 53 games. There’s no guarantee he’ll return to form, and the Bruins might prefer to invest in younger players like Morgan Geekie or pursue more dynamic free agents.
And motivation could be a factor. If Toews is chasing another Stanley Cup ring, he might go to a contender rather than a team in transition like the Bruins. For all their history, the Bruins aren’t considered a top-tier Cup favorite for the next couple of years.## The Reward: Rebuilding Championship DNA
If everything falls into place, Jonathan Toews could be the anchor of the Bruins’ championship culture rebuild. His resume is impressive—he’s won three Stanley Cups, two Olympic gold medals, and a Conn Smythe Trophy. But beyond the hardware, his poise under pressure and ability to guide younger players through the NHL playoffs are priceless.
For the Bruins, it’s not about immediate performance; it’s about leadership. If he can help develop Boston’s next generation of stars while providing defensive depth, the signing could pay off on and off the ice.
Will Jonathan Toews Choose Boston?
The Bruins are an interesting option, but they’re not the only team in the mix. The Jets are also very interested, according to reports, since he’s a Canadian and they need veteran leadership. Other teams may emerge depending on Toews’ wants.
For Boston, it’s all about whether they’re willing to take a calculated risk. If they do sign Toews, expectations should be low—he’s here to lead, not dominate. But if it works out, Toews could be a big part of getting the Bruins back to winning.
