Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
It seems the Maple Leafs were right to steer clear of Jonathan Toews in free agency as the three-time Cup winner is struggling to adjust after a multi-year absence.
When it was announced that three-time Stanley Cup winner Jonathan Toews was making a comeback to the NHL, there were several teams who were vying for a chance to sign the future Hall of Famer, with the Winnipeg Jets the winner of the sweepstakes.
Jonathan Toews’ comeback is unfortunately not going smoothly
The team has not performed up to that level this season, currently holding a 14-14-1 record after a 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night. But Toews himself hasn’t pulled his weight, though it’s hard to blame him.
Being two years out of the game, it’s going to take a long time for Toews to get acclimated. He’s put up only nine points in 29 games, and it’s looking more and more like the Maple Leafs dodged a serious bullet.
Toews’ contract is only $2-million base salary but included several bonuses on top of it, and with him keeping healthy so far, he’s halfway to earning a lot more money.
While that’s a positive for him, unless he turns into his previous form, Winnipeg is going to be paying a lot of money for someone who may be past his prime, and Toronto; while a likely destination, did avoid another terrible contract.
Jonathan Toews would not have helped the Maple Leafs anyways
It’s not a slight against Toews, who is one of the greatest players of the modern era. With three Stanley Cups, 892 career points, a Selke, Conn Smythe, and Messier Award, plus was named to the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players list; he’s certainly headed to the Hall when he retires.
But in this modern game where speed reigns supreme, and Toews going to be 38 years old in a few months. There’s no guarantee he has much time left in his career, and one injury would likely all but assuredly end his comeback.
Toronto didn’t have to pay Toews even though he would have added a great story to the Maple Leafs this year. Looking at how the team is constructed, it’s hard to see where Toews would fit in, and would make the Leafs slower than they already are.
Jonathan Toews’ comeback story is one to be admired, because it allows him to end his career on his terms. But thankfully for the Maple Leafs, they can admire from afar and not worry about having to break the bank for a player who likely would not have fit in their lineup anyhow.
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Maple Leafs clearly dodged a bullet with Jonathan Toews’ deal in Winnipeg
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