NHL Rumors: Kane Wants Toews Back, Canadiens Big Trade, McDavid’s Toronto Comments – The Hockey Writers –

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Patrick Kane is trying to convince Jonathan Toews to make a comeback with the Chicago Blackhawks, and the retired forward might be contemplating it. Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens continue searching for a major top-six addition and are linked to Kirill Marchenko. But, are they willing to spend big on just any top-six forward? Finally, Connor McDavid’s comments about Gavin McKenna playing in Toronto have sparked plenty of discussion about the kind of pressure cooker is waiting for the rookie and whether McDavid would avoid it.

Patrick Kane Trying to Convince Jonathan Toews to Return to Chicago

Patrick Kane isn’t just returning to Chicago for one more chapter with the Blackhawks—he’s apparently hoping his longtime teammate Jonathan Toews joins him. Appearing on Pardon My Take this week, Kane revealed that he has been trying to convince Toews to come out of retirement for another season. According to Kane, when he suggested the idea, Toews responded, “I’m thinking about it.”

While that certainly caught the attention of Blackhawks fans, it should still be viewed cautiously. Toews has not publicly confirmed that he is seriously considering a return after retiring last June following a comeback attempt with the Winnipeg Jets. However, Kane’s return on a two-year, $16 million contract has reopened conversations about Chicago’s dynasty era.

Toews previously admitted he was “straight-up jealous” that Kane gets another opportunity to play for the Blackhawks, and general manager Kyle Davidson has said the organization would welcome Toews back in some capacity. For now, though, any return appears more likely to involve a ceremonial role rather than a roster spot.

Canadiens Searching for Big Swing After Marchenko Interest

The Montreal Canadiens continue to look for a major addition to their forward group. This past week they’ve been heavily linked to discussions about Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko. If that doesn’t pan out, some believe that the Canadiens might pivot, and questions about their interest in Kent Johnson surfaced.

Johnson recorded 57 points during the 2024-25 season with Columbus but struggled last season, finishing with only 22 points. The former fifth overall pick is entering the final year of his three-year, $5.4 million contract.

However, Montreal reporter Marco D’Amico believes the Canadiens would be aiming higher and targeting a true top-six impact player rather than settling for a fallback option.

Eric Engels also noted that the Canadiens would consider giving up a substantial package to acquire Marchenko, but they don’t feel that way about a lot of other players.

Connor McDavid’s comments about Gavin McKenna joining the Toronto Maple Leafs were hardly controversial. Yet, somehow, a few fans are wondering what exactly he was trying to say.

Speaking at the Zach Hyman Celebrity Classic, McDavid said McKenna appears ready for the pressure that comes with playing in Toronto and will have a strong support system, including Auston Matthews. “He’ll have his hands full in Toronto, but he seems like he’s prepared for it,” McDavid said.

The comments were meant as praise, but some Toronto fans seem to have interpreted them differently. Was this a shot at the market? Did McDavid try to hint that Toronto is unfair to its star players? He clearly understands the pressure that comes with being a franchise player better than almost anyone. And, while Edmonton has a passionate hockey market, Toronto brings an unmatched level of media attention and scrutiny.

That has led some to wonder whether McDavid was subtly acknowledging that Toronto may not be the ideal destination for him in the future. If he eventually reaches free agency, the Maple Leafs would undoubtedly be interested, but joining Toronto would mean taking on another massive burden: trying to deliver a Stanley Cup to a market desperate for one.

McDavid has already carried enormous expectations in Edmonton, and choosing Toronto would likely amplify that pressure even further.