Jonathan Toews Has Reportedly Narrowed Comeback to Two Final NHL Teams
Photo credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
It seems that free agent Jonathan Toews has narrowed down his choice to two teams for his comeback being Winnipeg and Colorado as the Maple Leafs seem eliminated as a potential destination.
Announcing a comeback this season after a two-year hiatus, Jonathan Toews was expected to make a decision by the NHL Draft regarding where he wants to restart his career, and he certainly had his fair share of suitors.
Toronto, Winnipeg, Tampa Bay and Colorado were all frontrunners to potentially land Toews, and while nothing is for certain; those seemed to be the main culprits.
Jonathan Toews to choose Winnipeg or Colorado: Chris Johnston
But according to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, that decision is going to hurt Maple Leafs fans as it seems to be ultimately down to two teams: Winnipeg and Colorado.
It's not surprising to see either team be the final choice for Toews, as both offer a great roster to help him out, a competitive mindset, player familiarity and in the case of Winnipeg; close to home.
Toews, 37, has 883 points in 1,067 games (372G, 511A) while being a three-time Stanley Cup winner, a Conn Smythe, Selke and Messier award winner as well as part of the NHL's 100 Greatest Players.
But with him seemingly spurning the Maple Leafs (though nothing is guaranteed until he makes the call), can they still make a splash this offseason?
Toronto needs to be focused on one player: Brad Marchand
With all the news surrounding Sam Bennett and now Toews; plus the fact that Matt Duchene is probably staying in Dallas, it means that Toronto is seeing their targets drop more and more off the table.
But one who is seemingly going to get a lot of offers and attention is Brad Marchand. Currently a win away from the Cup, and a potential Conn Smythe win himself, the veteran forward is arguably Toronto's best option this summer.
Still putting up great numbers in the regular season, and still showing that postseason edge and clutch factor he's so beloved (and despised) for, Marchand is going to get paid.
However, Toronto should not be shy about spending a bit to bring him aboard. Not only does it give them a huge boost in the postseason and add that new DNA everyone is anticipating; but it keeps him from torching them again.
Marchand, 36, has 980 points in 1,100 games (424G, 556A) while also adding a blistering 158 points in 179 playoff games. Even this year he has 20 points in 22 games (10G, 10A) but also a plus-18 with 48 PIM.
He's that pest you hate when he's against you, but thank heavens when he's on your side and at a potential price of $8M per season; that's worth the cost and then some.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 17|589 ANSWERS Jonathan Toews Has Reportedly Narrowed Comeback to Two Final NHL Teams Where will Jonathan Toews end up signing? | ||
| Winnipeg | 274 | 46.5 % |
| Colorado | 110 | 18.7 % |
| Toronto | 161 | 27.3 % |
| Tampa Bay | 44 | 7.5 % |
| List of polls | ||