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Would the Toronto Maple Leafs Consider Pursuing Jonathan Toews?

By Josh Tessler

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 20: Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks waits for play to begin in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at the United Center on March 20, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 5-1. (Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 20: Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks waits for play to begin in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at the United Center on March 20, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 5-1. (Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs should look at Jonathan Toews as a plan b if negotiations with John Tavares go sour.

It might sound crazy, but I think it’s an idea worth exploring – a thought experiment, if you will! Toews could potentially wear a Toronto Maple Leafs sweater. It’s entirely possible. Let’s take a look at the situation in Chicago, Illinois. No, I’m not talking about deep dish pizza, but I could use a slice from Gino’s East right about now. I’m talking about the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks dynasty looks like its fallen apart. This past season, the Blackhawks showed the rest of the league that they were no longer a threat. The Blackhawks’ offense looked flat and averaged 2.78 GF/GP. Additionally, the Blackhawks had the third worst power-play in the NHL.If you look past last year’s stats and look at the team, it lacks depth. The Blackhawks relied on Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat, Toews, Nick Schamltz and Brandon Saad last year. Beyond those five forwards, there isn’t another forward on the roster to salivate over.

If you thought that the Blackhawks could revive themselves in the off-season, think again. According to CapFriendly, they have roughly 7.4 million USD in spending money.

That’s not going to be enough capital to bring a Tavares or a Evander Kane to the city of Chicago. With so much of their money tied up in Toews, Kane, Keith and Seabrook, the Hawks are a top-heavy team which may be looking to get out of one of those massive contracts.

My Thoughts

The Blackhawks are set to owe Toews, Kane, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook a combined 33.4 million per year till the 2022-23 regular season. With the four on long-term deals, the Blackhawks will be hard pressed to compete as their skills decline. So why wait till 2022-23 to deal them?

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If the Blackhawks move their star players on July 1st, they could get top prospects and draft picks. They’d have a lot of talent coming back to the city of Chicago and perhaps they’ll find themselves with a few diamonds.

Where Toews Would Fit In Toronto?

With Toews in the lineup in Toronto, the Toronto Maple Leafs would easily have the best roster in the NHL.

If Kyle Dubas acquired Toews, he’d alleviate some of the pressure off of Auston Matthews‘ shoulders and the Maple Leafs would have another 5v5 weapon.

Just like Matthews, Toews does find success on the power-play but plays his best when 5v5. Last season, he registered 20 goals, 32 assists, 2 PPG, 12 PPP and a 9.5 S% in 74 games played.

Additionally, Toews would be a great role model for Matthews. He’d be able to work with Matthews on his play-making abilities and develop him into a strong leader off the ice. Let’s not forget, these two forwards know each other well.

Recap

While this might be just a thought experiment, who knows what’s really going on in the executive offices at the United Center in Chicago. Stan Bowman, general manager of the Blackhawks, could potentially be on his way out. If he is, the next general manager of the team might want to start fresh and rebuild.

Next: Toronto Maple Leafs EIL Roundtable

If that’s the case, the Toronto Maple Leafs should absolutely send offers to bring Toews to the GTA.

stats from NHL.com

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