Exploring a trade for Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews

Recently, there was a question I asked on Twitter. What is the weakness of this Hurricanes’ team? A lot of people said the powerplay, which the team has tried to address. The other common answer was 2C. With Vincent Trocheck signing a 7-year deal in New York, there’s been a lot of concern about the two kids in the system that could replace him. If only there was a center elsewhere that might want out. Enter Jonathan Toews.

For those of you that are new to hockey, or just don’t know who Toews is, here is a brief rundown. Known as “Captain Serious”, Toews has 3 cups, a Conn Smythe, a Selke, 2 Olympic goal medals, a Mark Messier leadership award, and an NHL All-Star team appearance. When he decides to hang them up, he’s going to end up in the Hockey Hall of Fame. That said, it isn’t all rainbows and sunshine right now with Toews.

Having recently fought career-threatening illnesses that messed with almost everything about his basic way of life, Toews didn’t have his best start of the season last year. He missed the entire 56-game shortened season before that so it makes sense that it took him some time to adjust. But at 34 years old, you have to wonder if he’s more like the player he was at the start of last year, or the one that ended the season on fire.

With that uncertainty, Toews’ $10.5 million cap hit isn’t exactly the most enticing deal in the world. However, Chicago will likely eat half of that to move him if he does agree to waive his no-move clause at the trade deadline, or earlier. After doing an interview with The Athletic, it is public knowledge that he has very little appetite to endure a rebuild, despite being excellent with young players.

Carolina’s biggest uncertainty is the 2C role. While I am not saying Toews is the perfect fit for that, if he can step into the Canes roster and plug the holes should the youngsters not be able to fulfill the 2C situation, his experience is incredible and his resume speaks for itself. While his character could be questioned after the news that emerged last season with the Blackhawks, on the ice, his history is impeccable.

This is usually the part where I talk about what the Canes would give up, however, I have not got a clue what Jonathan Toews’ value is or should be. He’s got such a good pedigree, but he’s not the player he used to be. His presumably $5.25 million dollar cap hit is not easy for any team to take on, and there are a lot of questions as to whether he is worth it or not. He’d also have to waive a no-movement clause to come to Raleigh.

Question for Cardiac Cane readers: Do you think the Canes should pursue Toews at the deadline?