The Colorado Avalanche have officially made one of the most talked-about moves of the NHL offseason, signing veteran center Jonathan Toews to a one-year, performance-based deal — a dramatic return to the league for the former Chicago Blackhawks captain, who hasn’t played since the 2022–23 season due to long COVID-related complications.
After two full seasons away from the ice, the 37-year-old Toews is back — and he’s headed to Denver.
The signing, confirmed late Wednesday night by the team’s front office, is being hailed as a bold but calculated gamble by Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland, who continues to reshape the Avs’ center depth heading into the 2025–26 campaign. Sources close to the organization say the team views Toews not just as a depth piece, but as a potential locker room leader and high-IQ forward who can take on key minutes in the bottom six — and potentially more if he returns to form.
“A Proven Winner Returns”
Toews, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and Conn Smythe Trophy winner, has not played since April 2023. His decision to step away from hockey followed battles with Chronic Immune Response Syndrome (CIRS) and long COVID symptoms. At the time, many wondered if his final game had already been played. But Toews remained in shape and in contact with a handful of NHL clubs over the past several months.
According to multiple reports, it came down to his hometown Winnipeg Jets and the Avalanche — but in the end, the chance to join a Stanley Cup contender with a winning culture and strong leadership core reportedly swayed his decision.
“We believe in second chapters,” says Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar
“We’re not asking Jonathan to be the guy he was 10 years ago,” head coach Jared Bednar said in a press conference Thursday morning. “We’re asking him to bring his experience, his compete level, and his leadership to a locker room that already has high standards. He’s earned this opportunity.”
Toews’ deal is heavily incentive-laden, with a league-minimum base salary and bonuses tied to games played, points scored, and playoff performance — a structure that minimizes risk for Colorado while allowing Toews to bet on himself.
Coyle’s Future in Doubt?
The move immediately raises questions about the status of center Charlie Coyle, who was acquired from Boston last season and carries a $5.3 million cap hit through 2027. Coyle has performed admirably but inconsistently since arriving in Colorado, and the team is believed to be exploring trade options to free up cap space for further roster flexibility.
League insiders suggest that the Avalanche could package Coyle in a deal for blue-line help or draft picks, especially if Toews proves effective in training camp and early in the season.
What Toews Brings Now
In his last NHL season (2022–23), Toews posted 31 points in 53 games — solid numbers for a player operating below full health. If he can stay healthy, Colorado could benefit from his strong two-way play, faceoff dominance, and playoff pedigree.
The Avalanche have been active this offseason, also adding depth winger Tyson Jost and re-signing key RFA Logan O’Connor. The signing of Toews could be the veteran spark the team needs to push deeper into the postseason after back-to-back second-round exits.
A Comeback Story to Watch
Jonathan Toews’ return to the NHL, especially with a top-tier team like the Avalanche, is already one of the biggest storylines of the offseason. While many fans once assumed his career might quietly fade into retirement, Toews clearly had other plans.
“It’s not about proving anyone wrong,” Toews said in a statement released by his agent. “It’s about doing what I love, with everything I’ve got left.”
If he stays healthy and contributes meaningfully, this could go down as one of the most impactful low-risk signings of the 2025 NHL season. One thing’s for sure: the eyes of the hockey world will be on Denver this fall.
