Maple Leafs Eye Jonathan Toews Comeback Amid Marner Trade Rumors and Coaching Overhaul

The Toronto Maple Leafs are once again at the center of the NHL’s offseason rumor mill, and this time, the chatter is swirling around the potential comeback of a legendary figure: Jonathan Toews. As whispers grow louder about a seismic trade involving star forward Mitch Marner and a coaching staff reshuffle under new head coach Craig Berube, Toronto’s front office appears to be exploring bold moves in pursuit of long-elusive playoff success.

After sitting out the 2023–24 season to focus on his health and recover from the effects of long COVID and chronic immune response syndrome, Jonathan Toews has recently hinted at a possible return to the NHL. The 36-year-old former Chicago Blackhawks captain has not officially confirmed his intentions, but speculation has emerged linking him to several playoff-contending teams—most notably the Maple Leafs.

For Toronto, the interest makes sense. Toews is a three-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the most respected two-way centers of his generation. His leadership and postseason experience could provide a steadying presence in a locker room that has too often crumbled under pressure when the games matter most.

Despite his physical setbacks in recent years, Toews has shown flashes of his former self. In his final season with Chicago (2022–23), he still posted 31 points in 53 games—far from his peak numbers but respectable given the context. For the Leafs, signing Toews to a low-risk, short-term deal could be a calculated gamble with a potentially high reward.

The potential pursuit of Toews coincides with louder and more credible rumors that Mitch Marner’s time in Toronto may be nearing its end. The 27-year-old winger has been a cornerstone of the Leafs’ core for nearly a decade, producing over a point per game for much of his career and being a major engine of the team’s offense.

But after another early playoff exit and looming salary cap constraints, Leafs management may be forced to make a difficult decision. Marner has just one year remaining on his contract, which carries a cap hit of nearly $11 million. His no-movement clause adds complexity, but it’s not unmovable—especially if Marner himself believes a fresh start might benefit his career.

The Maple Leafs are said to be exploring trade options that would both alleviate cap pressure and bring in pieces that fit new coach Craig Berube’s vision of a more defensively responsible and hard-nosed hockey team. Potential suitors for Marner include teams with cap space and a hunger for elite talent, such as the Nashville Predators, Utah Hockey Club (formerly Arizona Coyotes), and even the Columbus Blue Jackets.

One of the most significant changes in Toronto this offseason has already taken place: the hiring of Craig Berube as head coach. The 2019 Stanley Cup-winning coach with the St. Louis Blues brings a much different personality and coaching style than his predecessor, Sheldon Keefe. Known for his demanding, no-nonsense approach, Berube is expected to instill a tougher, more physical identity—something the Leafs have lacked in recent playoff campaigns.

Berube’s arrival may be the clearest sign yet that the franchise is looking to shake up the “core four” era. Under Keefe, the Leafs often leaned heavily on offensive firepower and puck possession, but failed to consistently execute in tight-checking, high-stakes postseason battles. Berube, by contrast, built his success on grit, structure, and relentless effort. His Blues were an aggressive forechecking team that punished opponents into submission.

If Toews does come aboard, even in a depth role, it would be a strong indication that the Leafs are buying into Berube’s blueprint—one that values character and playoff mettle as much as raw skill.

There’s no doubt that Toronto faces a pivotal summer. With Auston Matthews and William Nylander locked in, and John Tavares still under contract (albeit with a declining role), the focus now shifts to Marner and how his situation will be resolved. A trade involving Marner would signal a fundamental shift in the Maple Leafs’ roster-building philosophy.

Should Toews choose Toronto as his comeback destination, the move would be symbolic as well as strategic—a former rival-turned-mentor helping to guide a talented but underachieving team toward a winning culture.

Adding Toews wouldn’t just be about points or minutes; it would be about changing the tone inside the dressing room, bringing in a player who has worn the pressure of a hockey-mad market and come out on top multiple times.