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Jonathan Toews And Patrick Kane Both Have Uncertain Futures
TL;DR
Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane face uncertain futures in the NHL after failing to make the playoffs with their respective teams, the Winnipeg Jets and Detroit Red Wings. Kane, a free agent this summer, expressed a desire to return to Detroit despite a disappointing season.
Key points
- Jonathan Toews plays for the Winnipeg Jets.
- Patrick Kane plays for the Detroit Red Wings.
- Both players missed the playoffs in 2025-26.
- Kane scored 16 goals and 41 assists in 67 games.
- Kane is a free agent this summer.
Chicago BlackhawksDetroit Red WingsWinnipeg JetsJonathan Toews
The Chicago Blackhawks had a lot of great playoff moments with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. During most of their true prime, they were a lock for a postseason berth every year.
In 2025-26, Kane plays for the Detroit Red Wings, and Jonathan Toews is with the Winnipeg Jets. Neither of them disappointingly made the playoffs, and they have uncertain futures in the NHL.
Kane just wrapped up his third season in Detroit. He scored 16 goals and had 41 assists for 57 points in 67 games played. The Red Wings held a playoff spot for most of the season, including a double-digit points cushion, but fell off in March.
Since leaving the Blackhawks, Kane has been signing one-year deals, making him a free agent once again this summer. He wants to go back to the Detroit Red Wings, but nothing is certain following a bad ending as they had.
“I’d love to be part of the solution that helps us get over the hump," Kane said in his locker clean-out media session. "I think there is mutual interest.”
Although Patrick Kane doesn't bring much on the defensive side of the puck, he is still a high-level playmaker who can skate on a line with anybody. He has especially good chemistry with another former Blackhawk, Alex DeBrincat.
If Kane goes back to the Red Wings, they will take another run at making the playoffs together. If they decide to go in a different direction, however, Kane may be looking for a new hockey residency. There is still a lot more hockey left in him, so it's fair to wonder what's truly next for his career.
As for Toews, he came back to the NHL after two seasons off. Winnipeg was coming off a President's Trophy season, so their missing the playoffs is pretty shocking.
After missing all of that time, Toews played in all 82 games, which is an incredible feat for someone in his shoes. He had 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points in those 82 games.
It wasn't the offensive production he was looking for, but he was a solid two-way depth piece. Toews finished second in the NHL (by one percent) with a faceoff winning percentage of 62.1. He clearly still brings winning attributes to a team.
Now, will Toews retire after proving he can make a comeback, or does he want more? He has an even more uncertain NHL future than Kane.
Q&A
What teams are Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane currently playing for?
Jonathan Toews is with the Winnipeg Jets, while Patrick Kane plays for the Detroit Red Wings.
Why did Patrick Kane's team, the Detroit Red Wings, miss the playoffs?
The Red Wings held a playoff spot for most of the season but fell off in March, ultimately missing the playoffs.
What are the contract situations for Toews and Kane?
Kane is a free agent this summer after signing one-year deals since leaving the Blackhawks, while Toews' contract status is not detailed in the article.
What did Patrick Kane say about his future with the Red Wings?
Kane expressed a desire to return to the Red Wings, stating there is mutual interest in him being part of the solution for the team.
