Will Boston Bruins take a chance with ex-Chicago Blackhawks centre Jonathan Toews? | NHL News
Veteran Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is considering an NHL return after two years on the sidelines, and the Boston Bruins may be a club that could gain valuable experience from his veteran wisdom. While the Boston Bruins are in transition and in search of adding depth to their leadership corps, acquiring a tested champion in Jonathan Toews is an interesting proposition on the topics of strategy, chemistry, and timing.
Jonathan Toews can give Boston Bruins the leadership and experience needed to rebuild their foundation
Jonathan Toews has not played an NHL game since April 13, 2023. Now it seems he is ready to return to pro hockey. After taking time off because of chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) and residual symptoms from long COVID-19, Jonathan Toews has been on a healing journey that involved holistic therapy in India. Now 37 years old, the three-time Stanley Cup winner wants another chance in the NHL. The Boston Bruins now turn to emerging leaders such as David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy to lead the charge. Yet, the roster still does not have the vet stability that a player like Toews might provide—particularly in a middle-six role. His role wouldn’t necessarily be goal-oriented but, instead, defensive dependability, playoff acclimation, and guidance for Boston’s emerging core.
There is precedent for such a move. The Carolina Hurricanes still depend upon Jordan Staal in much the same role. Jonathan Toews might assume the role once occupied by Nick Foligno—a steady, defense-savvy, and locker room presence leader. For the Boston Bruins, signing Jonathan Toews on a short-term contract (2 years, $3-4 million AAV) might fill the gap during their present transitional period without using up large cap resources. But the risks are legitimate. Jonathan Toews hasn’t appeared in two years, and his previous season was statistically his worst—a mere 31 points in 53 games in 2022–23. There’s no certainty he’ll rediscover himself, and the Boston Bruins may rather concentrate on bringing back younger players such as Morgan Geekie or pursuing more exciting assets in free agency. The other wrinkle is motivation. Toews might prefer to join a Stanley Cup contender, and the Boston Bruins, for all it history, might not be seen as a Cup favorite in the next couple of seasons. If he’s starving for another Cup run, there might be more attractive clubs further down the contention trail.Also read: Jonathan Toews’ comeback nears as the Winnipeg Jets lead the race to sign the former Blackhawks captainFor the Boston Bruins, acquiring Jonathan Toews would be a risk with reward. His resume is self-explanatory, and as a mentor, he might assist Boston in developing its next generation of leaders. But issues with his conditioning, age, and compatibility with the Bruins’ long-term vision could be deal-killers. If Boston does make an offer, it should have expectations in line—leadership in the forefront, performance secondary. And if everything pans out, Toews may be a central figure in bringing back the Bruins’ championship bloodlines.
