Blackhawks Rumors: 3 Teams to Watch in Jonathan Toews Sweepstakes

Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is a pro's pro. He's showed up for training camp in great shape and has said all the right things throughout preseason. Make no mistake about it, Toews is eager to move on, however management will only pull the trigger on a deal when the time is right for everyone involved. Keep an eye on these three teams once Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson and Toews decide the 'time is now':

Washington Capitals

A Stanley Cup contender who needs center help, the Washington Capitals will be in on Toews. With the available minutes and chance to win another Cup, expect to see the Caps in the mix to the very end. Any deal for Toews is likely to include one first-round pick and a solid prospect, certainly doable for general manager Brian MacLellan. 

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets have an inside track on Toews as he has his roots in the community. Winnipeg is expecting to have a bounce-back season in 2022-23 and if they are secured in a playoff spot, expect to see management make an offer for the Blackhawks captain. If the Jets aren't in the mix, they'll be one of the teams to blow things up and could find themselves in the same boat as Chicago. Young defenseman Ville Heinola could be in play here as he hasn't been able to find consistent minutes in Winnipeg.

Ottawa Senators

After a summer of changes, the Ottawa Senators are ready to put the rebuild behind them and become contenders. If things go as planned in 2022-23, Toews is someone the team could have interest in come trade deadline. The Blackhawks will be retaining 50% of Toews $10.5 million cap hit to facilitate any deal. Ottawa has the cap space and assets to be in the mix. It's all going to come down to where Toews wants to waive his no-movement clause to move on to. Expect to see Ottawa as one of the Canadian contenders for the Blackhawks captain.

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