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Jonathan Toews in Anaheim: it makes a lot of sense, says Elliotte Friedman
Mathis Therrien
Jonathan Toews in Anaheim: it makes a lot of sense, says Elliotte Friedman
Credit: Getty Images
In the last few days, we learned via Pierre LeBrun that Jonathan Toews had informed his agent Pat Brisson that he was 100% considering a return to the National Hockey League for the 2025-2026 season.

The 37-year-old former Chicago Blackhawks star will soon begin taking calls from various NHL teams in preparation for the free agent market, which opens on July 1.

So Toews really wants to get back into the NHL, and despite his age and two-year break, when a name like that is available, there’s interest.

Three Canadian teams – the Oilers, Jets and Maple Leafs – are already said to be interested.

In short, with this announcement, the rumour mill obviously got into overdrive, as various informants began to take the pulse of the matter via several NHL teams.

There was also speculation that Toews, who speaks French very well, could end up in Montreal.

More recently, however, and with much more concrete information, the name of the Anaheim Ducks came out of the mouth of Elliotte Friedman.

Indeed, the reputable tipster sincerely believes that Toews in Anaheim is a reunion that would make a lot of sense.

The addition of such a veteran on Anaheim’s side would clearly help establish a better culture going forward with all the very talented young players coming through and already progressing with the big club.

Although Toews will clearly be rusty, his experience will be extremely important in the dressing room, and he’ll bring a lot more than just points to the table.

The veteran will therefore be a coveted asset on the market, and also one that is likely to help some teams make decisions.

And in Anaheim, if the rumors are to be believed, there are still some important decisions to be made.

Indeed, Trevor Zegras and Mason McTavish remain two names that circulate a lot in trade rumors, and so, by adding a center like Toews, the Ducks might feel more comfortable letting another one go.

On paper, trading a young player for a 37-year-old veteran may sound ridiculous, but in the Ducks’ case, they have so many good young forwards, they can afford to trade one, or even two, to rebalance their lineup.

And that’s where the Canadiens could come in.

It’s no secret that the Habs are looking for a center, and McTavish is one of the options.

So is Zegras, but let’s just say he’s becoming less and less popular.

So there’s a world in which adding Toews to Anaheim benefits the Habs, who clearly have what it takes to uproot one of the Ducks’ young centers.

We’ll keep a close eye on everything.


Overtime

– Happy Birthday, Joel!

– Read on.

– An addition to keep an eye on next season in New Jersey.

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