Remark From Jonathan Toews' Agent Creates Interesting Possibility for the Maple Leafs

On Thursday, TSN's Pierre LeBrun revealed that after more than 2 years away from the NHL, former Chicago Blackhawks Captain Jonathan Toews is '100-percent' committed to resuming his NHL career next season.

The 37-year-old stepped away from the game when his 8-year contract ended with the Blackhawks at the end of the 2022-2023 season as he dealt with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and symptoms of long COVID.

Following up from Lebrun's post on 'X', Maple Leafs reporter Nick Alberga noted that the conversation he had with Toews' agent Pat Brisson that there was no preferred destination for the sure-fire Hall-of-Famer and former first-round pick, opening the door for the Leafs as a potential landing spot.

In January, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli reported the 3-time Stanley Cup Champion had resumed skating and was already receiving interest from teams including the Maple Leafs.

Ahead of the trade deadline, Toews sat down with The Athletic and reporter Mark Lazerus and detailed his journey over the past two years before confirming that he was keen on attempting a comeback, but that it would not be until next season.

With the news of Toews' commitment to a return next season, and his agent's confirmation that there are no limitations on which teams he has a preference for, Toews could provide the Maple Leafs with a short-term stop-gap down the middle on a very inexpensive, bonus-laden deal - similar to the one Max Pacioretty signed last off-season.

As Brad Treliving is looking to change the DNA of the roster, adding a proven winner to the forward group that has always excelled defensively would certainly be a good starting point.