Jonathan Toews announced on Thursday that he was stepping away from the NHL while recovering from a long-term COVID-19 illness. However, he’s committed to returning. The New Jersey Devils should have an open line with the former Stanley Cup champ.
The New Jersey Devils roster is pretty set. It has a little bit of everything. The stars up top can compete with any selection of stars on any team. Thanks to years of quality drafting and asset management, they have depth at forward and defense. The goaltending isn’t the best, but it’s definitely enough to get through the regular season with the group in front of them.
However, one injury could change everything. The Devils are uniquely qualified to deal with an injury to a star, but that would severely hurt the depth. It also makes them vulnerable, as another injury could derail their goals. That’s why the Devils need to have all options ready.
One player who always made sense for the Devils is former Chicago Blackhawks star Jonathan Toews. He plays a similar style at this point as Erik Haula. He could move around the lineup, filling in on a top line when absolutely necessary but more often playing in the bottom six. This is still a player who is used to putting in 17+ minutes of ice time.
Of course, Toews is dealing with something that is putting his NHL career in question. He announced on Thursday that, while he isn’t retiring, he isn’t signing anywhere right now due to the long-term effects of the COVID-19 illness.
Jonathan Toews thanks Chicago for a memorable 16 years. 👏 pic.twitter.com/5I7vGTFkIu
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 17, 2023
The most important aspect of all this is for Toews to get healthy. He’s made his money, won his Stanley Cups, and left an incredible legacy for when he retires. He says he wants to return to hockey, so we will take him at his word.
The Devils should be doing the leg work now to keep in touch with Toews. They don’t need Toews right now, but if something happens in January or February, he should be the Devils’ first call. If Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Erik Haula, or Dawson Mercer get hurt (please know this is only hypothetical), Toews can fill that spot better than anyone the Devils have in house.
There are a few Devils prospects who can seamlessly transition into the NHL. Graeme Clarke, Tyce Thompson (if he survives waivers), and Brian Halonen would be fine additions at any point in the season. However, none of them can play center. The Devils have some NHL options to play center (Mercer can pivot, Tomas Nosek is expected to be a healthy scratch), but they would be a major downgrade from a star injury.
Toews gives the Devils a piece that can get them through any injury, and if that star comes back, he can settle into a lesser role on the bottom six. The Devils would be smart to keep this in the back of their minds at all time. In fact, they should be planting the seeds right now. Send a good-faith message to Toews’ agent just to say we’re thinking about him.