How Jonathan Toews Would Help & Fit Into the Blackhawks Lineup

Jonathan Toews is thinking about returning to the NHL and Patrick Kane endorses his return to the Chicago Blackhawks. While that may not be in the cards, there are a handful of reasons why it would benefit Chicago. So where would Toews fit into the Blackhawks lineup?

On a playoff team, Toews, at age 36 and after a season and a half away from the NHL, would be a solid third line center. Even if his offensive game may not be where it once was, I don’t believe the way he thinks or his two-way game has gone away.

If Toews comes back and the Blackhawks sign him, he wouldn’t be returning to a playoff team. This changes his potential spot in the lineup. I think that he could still play second line minutes and line up behind Connor Bedard and in front of Jason Dickinson down the middle. That isn’t to say he wouldn’t start out with more limited minutes to get the veteran back up to speed, but Toews could potentially slot in as the second line center.

Dickinson and Frank Nazar have been back and forth as the team’s second line center, but bringing Toews in would very likely push Nazar to the wing. Young centers generally come into the league and play on the wing to start. This allows them to develop a little bit before taking on a larger responsibility. This didn’t happen with Nazar and I think he could use some time alongside a veteran center like Toews and eventually take back over.

Toews would bring a ton of valuable experience to the locker room having won three Stanley Cups with the team and being part of the 2010s dynasty. He’s a Selke Trophy winner, Mark Messier Award winner, Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and was always in the Selke conversation. His leadership would not only make a big difference, but how he always led by example with his play, especially on the defensive side of the puck.

Experience like that would only benefit the young players, especially players like Bedard, Nazar, and Lukas Reichel who are all centers and the Blackhawks hope help lead the team out of the rebuild.

While the Blackhawks went overboard with signing veterans in the off-season and are going to likely be trading 3-4 veteran forwards by the trade deadline, it is still valuable to have some on the team. Look at the Buffalo Sabres. They’ve once again struggled and the lone 30-year-old skater on the team is Jason Zucker.

The Blackhawks have more than enough cap space to bring Toews in, not like he is going to cost a whole lot at this stage in his career. If Chicago signs him for 2-3 years, that would be a solid move for them, even if his role shrinks.

If Toews inserts into the second or third line and Dickinson is the other center there, that gives the Blackhawks two very good two-way centers on half of their lines. It would make it difficult for many opponents to get free space and dominate. This would also free up Bedard more often than not, especially when the Blackhawks are able to line match more effectively at home.

The Blackhawks will probably take another couple of seasons before the team is really a threat to make the playoffs, so this is a good move whichever way you look at it.

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game day coverage, player features, and more.