### Jonathan Toews: Aiming for an NHL Comeback After Two-Year Hiatus - Jonathan Toews, the former captain of the Chicago Blackhawks and a three-time Stanley Cup champion, is officially planning his return to the NHL after a two-year absence due to health issues related to long COVID. At 37 years old, Toews has expressed a strong commitment to resuming his career, stating he is "100% committed" to making a comeback next season. His agent, Pat Brisson, has confirmed that they are open to discussions with all 32 NHL teams as free agency approaches on July 1, 2025. Toews has been training consistently in preparation for this moment, and several teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, are reportedly interested in his services [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/jonathan_toews_open_to_joining_maple_leafs_as_part_of_comeback/s1_16454_42268407][https://www.reuters.com/sports/ex-blackhawks-star-jonathan-toews-plans-return-nhl-2025-05-30]. ### Breakdown of Toews' Comeback Plans 1. **Health and Training**: - Toews has spent the last two years focusing on his health, recovering from Chronic Immune Response Syndrome and long COVID. He has recently begun training consistently, indicating he feels ready to return to competitive play [https://www.nhl.com/news/jonathan-toews-moving-forward-with-nhl-return][https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/45379173/former-blackhawks-star-jonathan-toews-planning-nhl-comeback]. 2. **Free Agency and Team Interest**: - As a free agent, Toews can negotiate with any NHL team starting July 1, 2025. His agent is already fielding interest from various clubs, with reports suggesting that a Stanley Cup contender is keen on signing him [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/jonathan_toews_commits_to_nhl_comeback_contender_already_interested/s1_16454_42260037][https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/blackhawks-legend-jonathan-toews-aims-to-make-nhl-comeback/3756541]. 3. **Legacy and Motivation**: - Toews has expressed dissatisfaction with how his career ended in Chicago and is motivated to return not just to prove himself but to enjoy the game again. He has a storied legacy, having led the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup victories and winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010 [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/ex_blackhawks_star_jonathan_toews_plans_return_to_nhl/s1_17050_42261252][https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/7cc557c4/three-time-stanley-cup-champion-jonathan-toews-eyeing-nhl-comeback]. ### Evidence Supporting Toews' Comeback - **Training and Health**: Toews has reportedly been training consistently and feels confident about his physical condition, which is crucial for a successful return to the NHL [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/former_blackhawks_forward_set_for_nhl_comeback/s1_17437_42259858]. - **Interest from Teams**: Multiple reports indicate that NHL teams are already interested in Toews, highlighting his potential value as a player despite his time away from the game [https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/nhl/news-nhl-rumors-insider-predicts-jonathan-toews-next-landing-spot-ex-blackhawks-star-eyes-comeback]. - **Historical Performance**: Toews' past achievements, including three Stanley Cup titles and international success with Team Canada, bolster his reputation and desirability as a player [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/jonathan_toews_officially_listening_to_offers_for_an_nhl_return/s1_17636_42260082]. ### Conclusion: Toews' Path Forward - **Jonathan Toews is poised for a significant comeback in the NHL, driven by a commitment to his health and a desire to return to the ice.** 1. He has been training and feels ready to compete again. 2. His agent is actively engaging with teams ahead of free agency. 3. Toews' legacy and past performance make him a sought-after player as he looks to re-establish himself in the league. This comeback not only represents a personal journey for Toews but also a potential boost for any team that secures his talents as they aim for success in the upcoming season [https://clutchpoints.com/nhl/nhl-stories/nhl-rumors-jonathan-toews-will-return-to-league-in-2025-26].