Coming into the year, three contractual albatrosses hung around the necks of the Chicago Blackhawks: those of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Seth Jones. Seth Jones contract will most likely have to be maintained by the Blackhawks with hopes that he eventually fills those skates.
Patrick Kane’s contract expires at the end of the season. There is little doubt that his play will either bring a nice trade at the deadline or will earn him the right to sign an extension with the Hawks.
That leaves Jonathan Toews. His stock had fallen since his medical condition kept him out of the 2020-2021 season. It was a difficult recovery for Toews and clearly affected his production last season.
In 71 games, he only scored 12 goals with 25 assists for a total of 37 points. So far this season, in 11 games, the captain has already scored seven goals with two assists. Extrapolating that production would mean Toews scores 52 goals. He also won faceoffs at a 59% rate, which is extremely strong.
TOEWS CALLED GAME. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/ForrEpDb8P
— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) November 4, 2022
Of course, maintaining that level of production for Toews will be tough. However, he certainly looks to be rejuvenated and excelling under coach Luke Richardson. Jonathan Toews current contract runs through the end of the season and costs $10.5 million against the cap. So, what does this mean for the Blackhawks?
Jonathan Toews Giving the Chicago Blackhawks Options
First, if his value remains high, the Blackhawks could move him to a team heading into the playoffs. Eleven games ago, Hawks fans thought Chicago might move him for no better than a third-round pick and a mediocre prospect.
In this scenario, the biggest impact would simply be adding money to the cap next year. Now, however, with seven goals potted and a huge faceoff win percentage, Toews will be a welcome addition to any team heading into the playoffs. He will offer production and leadership in the locker room. It’s possible the Hawks could pick up a first-rounder and a prospect or two. The Hawks would also likely eat part of his salary which would not be an issue this season.
Second, the Blackhawks could choose to re-sign Toews. They could probably sign him for around $4-5 million for 3 years. During this time, he would help mentor the kids and continue leading the Blackhawks.
The downside, the Blackhawks lose a chance at a potential first-round pick. The upside, Chicago has Toews on the ice for a few more years. His salary will not impact the immediate future, and his salary will come off the books before the prospects make a splash and are eligible for large contracts.
Davidson has shown to be shrewd so far. He will make the move that best helps the Chicago Blackhawks. There is a long season ahead which will help him make this decision. Best thing for the Blackhawks is to move Toews, but most fans will be equally happy to see Jonathan Toews remain with the team and retire a Chicago Blackhawk.