Patrick Kane excited to see Jonathan Toews back in NHL

“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,” Kane said to ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski at the NHL’s media tour in Las Vegas. “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 and Toews were teammates for 16 years in Chicago, winning three Stanley Cups.

Toews hasn’t played since the 2022-23 season as he dealt with the effects of chronic inflammatory response syndrome and COVID-19. He has been open about his long journey to return to full health, sharing in 2024 that he spent time in India for a detox known as Panchakarma.

The 37-year-old announced last season that he intended to return to the NHL and this summer he signed with the Jets, in his hometown of Winnipeg.

Kane, who is entering his third season with the Detroit Red Wings, says he and Toews remain close friends and talk often.

“We talk quite a bit. He came to Chicago about a month ago, so I was able to see him there,” Kane said. “Even obviously with him not playing the last couple of years, he’s been great — just keeping in touch and reaching out after a game every now and then. Always nice to hear from him.”