For a generation of Chicago hockey fans, the final image almost writes itself. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, back inside the United Center and wearing Blackhawks colours together one more time.
The Blackhawks are considering signing Toews to a one-day contract, so their former captain can officially retire with the franchise he led to three Stanley Cup championships. General manager Kyle Davidson said no plan has been finalised, but the organisation would like to honour Toews in a manner similar to its farewell for Marian Hossa.
The timing matters. Toews retired on June 19 after completing a one-season comeback with his hometown Winnipeg Jets. Kane returned to Chicago weeks later on a two-year contract after spending the previous three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.
Chicago now has an opportunity that seemed unlikely when Toews played his final Blackhawks game in 2023. The franchise can give its captain a formal farewell while Kane is once again part of the team.
Toews Never Received a Traditional Chicago Ending
Toews’ first departure from Chicago felt more practical than ceremonial.
The Blackhawks announced before their final game of the 2022-23 season that they would not re-sign him. Chicago had committed to a full rebuild, while health problems had disrupted several years of Toews’ career.
Chronic Immune Response Syndrome kept him out for the entire 2020-21 season. Symptoms connected to long COVID later forced him away from the lineup during his final year with the Blackhawks.
He returned for the final seven games, including an emotional United Center farewell on April 13, 2023. Fans stood and applauded, but the night still carried uncertainty. Toews had not retired, and nobody knew whether he would play again.
Two years away allowed him to rebuild his health. He then signed with Winnipeg and played all 82 games of the 2025-26 season, recording 11 goals and 29 points before ending his career on his own terms.
His January return to Chicago with the Jets showed how deeply the connection remained. The United Center crowd gave him an ovation lasting more than three minutes.
That bond remains just as strong inside the organisation. Davidson called Toews “a Blackhawk for life” because of everything he contributed to the team and the city.
The reception offered an emotional homecoming. A one-day contract would provide the official ending.
Kane’s Return Makes the Farewell More Meaningful
This would not be a quiet paper transaction.
Kane’s return gives Chicago the chance to reunite the two players who shaped its modern hockey identity. One represented imagination and improvisation. The other set the standard for responsibility, preparation and leadership.
Their greatest moments still define the franchise.
Kane ended Chicago’s 49-year championship drought in 2010 when he slipped a sharp-angle shot past Philadelphia goaltender Michael Leighton in overtime. Most players on the ice lost sight of the puck. Kane knew immediately that it had crossed the line and raced toward the opposite end in celebration.
Toews drove that championship run in a different way. He handled opposing top lines, controlled possession and produced 29 playoff points on his way to the Conn Smythe Trophy. Three years later, he won the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forward.
Chicago needed both styles.
Kane delivered the unexpected moment that could decide a playoff series. Toews provided the structure that allowed those moments to matter. Together, they helped turn a struggling organisation into a three-time champion.
Their careers eventually moved in different directions. Kane continued playing in New York and Detroit before returning to Chicago. Toews stepped away, fought through serious health problems, completed one hometown season in Winnipeg and retired.
A farewell ceremony would not erase those separate endings. It would honour everything they built before them.
A Small Contract Would Carry a Large Meaning
The proposed contract would last only one day, but Toews built his place in Blackhawks history over 15 seasons.
He played 1,067 regular-season games for Chicago, more than all but four players in franchise history. His 883 points rank sixth. During the playoffs, he added 119 points in 137 games while taking the most demanding assignments coach Joel Quenneville could give him.
Those numbers matter because they support what Chicago watched for more than a decade.
Toews became captain in 2008 while still early in his NHL career. By 2015, he had lifted the Stanley Cup three times. His teams won with speed and skill, but they also won because their captain could take a critical faceoff, defend a late lead or set the tone against an opponent’s best players.
His influence went beyond scoring totals. Teammates trusted him in difficult situations. Coaches relied on him in every zone. Opponents had to account for him even when he was not producing points.
Chicago already gave Toews a memorable final game in a Blackhawks sweater. Winnipeg later gave him the chance to complete his playing career at home.
One step remains.
Signing Toews for one day would let him retire as a Blackhawk. Having Kane there would connect that farewell to the partnership that changed Chicago hockey.
The contract would be symbolic. The ending would not be.
READ MORE: How Patrick Kane’s Chicago Reunion Could Unlock Connor Bedard’s Next Level
FAQs
Q1. Could Jonathan Toews retire as a Chicago Blackhawk?
A. Yes. The Blackhawks are considering signing Toews to a one day contract, although the team has not announced a final plan.
Q2. Why would Toews sign a one day contract?
A. The contract would allow Toews to officially retire with the franchise he captained to three Stanley Cup championships.
Q3. Did Jonathan Toews play for the Winnipeg Jets?
A. Yes. He returned after two seasons away and recorded 11 goals and 29 points across all 82 games in 2025-26.
Q4. Is Patrick Kane back with the Blackhawks?
A. Yes. Kane returned to Chicago on a two year contract after spending three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.
Q5. How many Stanley Cups did Jonathan Toews win?
A. Toews won three Stanley Cups with Chicago. The Blackhawks captured the championship in 2010, 2013, and 2015.
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