Hawks reporter reveals just how close a Jonathan Toews trade was this summer

The Chicago Blackhawks entered full rebuild mode last season when they dealt then 23-year-old Brandon Hagel to the Lightning at the trade deadline and subsequently dealt Kirby Dach and Alex DeBrincat to Montreal and Ottawa at the draft. Since that time, there has been much discussion around the two centerpieces of their previous rebuild that brought them three Stanley Cups - Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

Both Toews and Kane were not pleased with the decisions to deal Dach and DeBrincat, but have decided to see how the beginning of the season goes before they decide if they want out or not. That wasn't always the case though, as Hawks reporter Ben Pope noted that Toews had discussed a possible trade during the summer with his agent and friends.

Pope also said that while he had those discussions, they reportedly never got serious as Toews decided he wants to see where the Hawks go the first part of the season before making any decision. Entering the final year of his 8-year deal that paid him $10.5M per season, the Hawks will have to retain salary in almost any deal made for Toews, which could either drive the price up, or down if Toews has his heart set on on specific destination.