Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews will forever be known as Chicago Blackhawks.
Even though their careers have taken them elsewhere in the final stages, what the skilled winger and two-way center did in the Windy City was legendary.
Three Stanley Cup championships in a six-year window, massive point production, and highlight reel plays every night, turning around the franchise from the moment they both arrived.
As the Blackhawks have torn things down and rebuilt, Kane had a cup of coffee in New York before settling down in Detroit with the Red Wings. On the other hand, it hasn’t been as straightforward for Toews, who hasn’t played since 2022-23 due to health issues, but the 37-year-old has worked his way back and is now a Winnipeg Jet.
With his teammate of 15 years set to make his return to the NHL, Kane was asked about it by Greg Wyshynski of ESPN at the NHL Player Media Tour.
“I think it’s awesome. Obviously with what he’s been through, to be able to put himself in a position to come back and be feeling good, I think that’s the most important thing. It could be really a great story for the NHL and for the franchise and for him and his family. So I’m excited about watching him,” Kane said.
“It’s funny how your paths kind of change, right? You’re seeing each other every day for 17 years, and then all of a sudden, you kind of go your separate ways,” Kane added.
Asked Patrick Kane about Jonathan Toews, his former @NHLBlackhawks teammate, and his comeback with @NHLJets. https://t.co/wEQQxxe5tU
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) September 9, 2025
Toews signed a one-year, $2 million bonus-laden contract with the Jets on July 1. The former Blackhawk tallied 31 points (15 goals, 16 assists) in 53 games the last time he suited up in an NHL season.
When do Kane and Toews square off for the first time?
While Patrick Kane has faced his old team numerous times since they parted ways, Jonathan Toews has yet to face his former team or longtime teammate.
Toews and the Jets will head to Detroit to take on Kane and the Red Wings on December 31 in what will be their first meeting as opponents. A few weeks later, the captain of 14 years will make his return to Chicago for what will be an emotional affair on January 19.
Things have changed quite a lot with the Blackhawks in recent years, so it will certainly feel strange for fans from that era to watch it all play out with Kane and Toews in different jerseys in 2025-26.
