When there was still a little glimmer of hope at the end of the 2022-23 season, now, it feels like it’s almost certain that Jonathan Toews is retiring from the NHL. Mark Spector at SportsNet recently reported that Toews’ name was NOT on a list of available free agents recently submitted to the NHL by CAA, the agency that represents him. Many outlets have verified the fact and the news is getting leaked as we speak.
“Word is Toews won’t play next season. When his agency sent out its list of pending free agents, we are told his name was not even on the list.”
Spector added: "It does not sound, at this time, like he will play next season. Final decision not yet made."
It felt almost sure that the veteran forward would not come back when he bid farewell to the Chicago Blackhawks’ fanbase on the last home game of the calendar. Toews struggled with the long-term effects of COVID-19, chronic immune response syndrome and other elements that have impacted his performance in recent years. He made a short return at the end of last season but admitted he wasn’t certain he’d return for the 2023-24 campaign.
The 35-year-old entered this offseason as a free agent as his eight-year, $10.5-million AAV deal ended. Some teams might have taken a closer look at the free agent, including the Edmonton Oilers, though they are likely to step away, especially if no agent is linked to Toews at the moment.
Toews could retire - I am sure an official word will come from the Blackhawks - and should hang up the skates with Chicago. After all, he will go out with one and only one NHL jersey hanging in his closet and will surely see him number go up in the rafters eventually.
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