The New Jersey Devils have been trying to figure out the best way to upgrade the bottom six. For now, they've allowed players like Nathan Bastian and Curtis Lazar to return from injury, and that's been good enough as the Devils are coming off an incredible December record. This is a true Stanley Cup contender, and that will get the focus of the available players around the league.
Most expect the Devils to make a move for a forward, and that would make sense. There seems to be one really good forward missing from this lineup. Ondrej Palat has been good on Jack Hughes' line, so it has helped the Devils and GM Tom Fitzgerald with their patience. Nobody is calling for a move because the Devils are winning.
The Devils should be at least scouting their options. One that we have been advocating for is a free agent who wouldn't cost one asset to pull off. Jonathan Toews is a great player who lost his fastball. He's still only 36 years old, but he hasn't played a second of professional hockey since the end of the 2022-23 season.
Jonathan Toews would be an interesting center option for the New Jersey Devils.
Toews came out on Monday saying he hasn't ruled out a return to the NHL. That's not exactly a commitment to returning, but it's definitely worth a phone call by Fitzgerald.
Toews could look to return to the Chicago Blackhawks, the only team he's ever known, but they really don't have anything to play for. Other contenders could use Toews on their roster, but what would they be asking of him? The Devils might have a perfect opportunity for Toews. It gives him a chance to compete for another championship in the perfect role. Playing third or fourth-line center allows Toews to play limited minutes while he gets himself up to speed.
What does Toews want out of a future NHL run? Would he be willing to sign for the veteran's minimum after making so much money during his career? The Devils couldn't offer much more than that. So, if it's money he's looking for, then this isn't the right opportunity. But if it's opportunity he's looking for, this is right on the money.
Toews was pretty productive in his last season. He had 31 points in 53 games. And this was with him still dealing with his serious health issues. He's gone on a journey to fix what's happening in his body, and that might unlock an even better Jonathan Toews in the twilight of his career. It's very well worth the risk.