Several Ways Of How Jonathan Toews Can Benefit And Fit Into The Blackhawks Lineup
If Jonathan Toews would return to the NHL, and in a dream scenario back to the Chicago Blackhawks, could he fit into the team as a depth addition?
The Chicago Blackhawks have recently been named as a place Patrick Kane would like to see his former teammate Jonathan Toews end up, if he makes it back to the NHL.
But a return to Chicago, would have to be endorsed by Toews, but also GM Kyle Davidson as the team has limited availability in the lineup this season.
Since Toews is 36, and the Blackhawks are in the midst of a rebuild, he could find himself in a bottom-six role.
This could allow the Blackhawks to place him on the third line, where we find Jason Dickinson as the Center.
The 36-year-old forward may not have the same kind of offensive capabilities he did in his prime, but could still play a solid two-way game. Giving him more of a defensive role in the lineup, a puck retriever.
He could possibly slot in as 2nd-line Center, given that no one has claimed the role and spots are up for grabs as Nazar and Dickinson are the only players capable of handling the role.
Rob Couch explains the idea:
Toews could allow the Hawks to exercise some flexibility in the lineup, and give Frank Nazar a different developmental path. Instead of playing center outright, he could develop on the wing and learn from Toews.
The former Blackhawks Captain has won a Selke Trophy, a Mark Messier Award Winner, and a Conn Smythe Trophy Winner.
Experience like that, GM Kyle Davidson could not discount and find easily unless he relented on his philosophy that the old leadership group could not help the rebuild move along.
We disagree.
The Blackhawks spent ridiculous amounts of money on veteran NHLers who haven't helped the team, or the development path of many players. Instead, they could end up trading 3-4 of them, and finding a spot on the roster for someone like Toews who has a connection to the city and experience winning in the United Center.
The team would have plenty of cap space to sign Toews, as it's unlikely he'll cost much due to his time away from the game, and lack of contract offers from other teams.
This could be a layup for GM Kyle Davidson as he seeks to "improve" the lineup once again.
Toews has played 1067 NHL games and scored 883 points ( 372 G, 511 A ) and three Stanley Cups. The Hawks should be begging for his return to the NHL.
