Montreal Canadiens fans received a jolt of intrigue today as veteran hockey reporter Arpon Basu suggested that the team has had preliminary discussions with none other than Jonathan Toews and his representatives.
Yes, you read that correctly—Jonathan Toews, the longtime Chicago Blackhawks captain, three-time Stanley Cup champion, and Olympic gold medalist.
During a segment on The Basu & Godin Notebook, Basu indicated that “conversations have taken place” between the Canadiens’ front office and Toews’ camp, although no formal offer has been made yet.
The rumor, while still in its infancy, sent shockwaves through the Habs fanbase and sparked a whirlwind of speculation online.
“Toews is obviously not the player he was ten years ago,” Basu said, “but the leadership, the experience, and the locker room presence he brings—that’s something the Canadiens are clearly interested in.”
Toews, 37, has not played an NHL game since the 2022-23 season, taking time off to focus on his health. However, he’s made it known that he hasn’t officially closed the door on a return to professional hockey, and Montreal could offer him a unique opportunity.
The Canadiens are in the midst of a rebuild but have shown signs of promise, with young stars like Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky leading the charge. Adding a veteran like Toews could serve as both a mentor for the young core and a stabilizing force on and off the ice.
Would Toews wear the CH on his chest in 2025? Would Martin St-Louis embrace such a move? And what would it mean for the locker room dynamics?
For now, the answers remain unclear. But if Basu’s comments hold weight, this could be the start of one of the most fascinating comeback stories in recent NHL history