On the heels of the Vegas Golden Knights' 4-1 series win over the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Finals, all eyes turn to NHL free agency and which teams will look to build themselves into contenders for next year's postseason by signing the best players on the market.
Jonathan Toews is one such player, though his future in the game is uncertain.
Young center David Kampf, late of Toronto, and veteran Oliver Ekman-Larsson are two others, each with the ability to be key pieces for a team this close to making a legitimate run at the top prize in professional hockey.
What is the latest on those three players and where should fans expect them to land?
Find out with these free agency predictions.
What Does the Future Hold for Jonathan Toews?
There is no evidence that Jonathan Toews will even play in the 2023-24 NHL, what with a history of injuries taking their toll on his body and his long run as the captain of the Chicago Blackhawks at an end.
If he does continue his Hall of Fame-worthy career, there is a team potentially interested in acquiring his services.
Mike Spector of Sportsnet reported, "There is some talk in Edmonton about Jonathan Toews at 4C, pushing the newly re-signed Derek Ryan to a preferred spot at right wing. Toews is at a crossroads, done with the Blackhawks but reportedly unsure about what comes next."
Toews would certainly fill the need the Oilers have at center and as the report states, allow Ryan to vacate that position in favor of a spot on the ice he is much more comfortable in, but it would be difficult to imagine Toews in a jersey other than Chicago's.
He was as integral a part of those three Stanley Cup victories the team enjoyed last season and has been the heart of the franchise, alongside Patrick Kane, throughout his 15 seasons with the team.
The recent injuries, the emotional farewell in that final United Center game and uncertainty about his desire to play another season make this prediction fairly easy.
While there are other teams that could utilize his veteran leadership in the locker room and his in-game intelligence on the ice, it feels like Toews has played his final game.
Prediction: Toews retires