The Vancouver Canucks have several options to strengthen their center depth for the 2025-26 season, but one widely discussed possibility isn’t a good fit.
Reports surfaced Thursday that former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is planning an NHL return after missing two full seasons while battling long COVID and chronic inflammatory response syndrome.
While adding a three-time Stanley Cup champion like Toews might seem appealing for the Canucks as they aim to stay competitive, the partnership likely wouldn’t benefit either side.
At 37, Toews probably isn’t looking to join a team like Vancouver, where uncertain health issues for players like Filip Chytil and Elias Pettersson could push him into heavy ice time.
Toews himself acknowledged to The Athletic that he believes he still has “high-level hockey” to offer, but if that’s not the case, it would be less damaging to his legacy on a stronger, deeper team—not one facing the challenges the Canucks do.
Meanwhile, Vancouver should focus on more dependable options rather than banking on a player coming off two years of serious health struggles.
Given Toews’ status, he likely won’t come cheap despite the time away, and the Canucks might be better served investing in a player like Pius Suter.
Unless Vancouver truly believes it can make a surprise championship push, signing Toews doesn’t appear to make much sense.
