NHL Rumors: Legendary Patrice Bergeron retires, which 3 players could be next to hang up their skates?

Players who could retire next No. 1: Jonathan Toews

Jonathan Toews is a meaningful player in Chicago Blackhawks history. The three-time Stanley Cup Champion is known as an elite two-way center. The 35-year-old was the captain of the Blackhawks from 2008 to 2023. Toews has played 1,067 NHL games and has 883 career points.

Near the end of June, Frank Seravalli reported that Toews’ agent Pat Brisson revealed that Toews was still contemplating his future.

The most recent Jonathan Toews update came early in July when Mark Spector revealed, “When his agency sent out its list of pending free agents, we are told his name was not even on the list.”

With his agency not listing him as an available free agent, it seems likely Toews is leaning toward retirement.

Unlike the other two players on this list, there’s no chance Toews returns to his former team. He always expected to retire with his longtime team, but he’s left with a choice to make after the Blackhawks opted not to re-sign him. Toews was derailed by Chronic Immune Response Syndrome and long COVID in recent years. He can now either retire as a Blackhawk or continue his career with a different team. Although signs are pointing to retirement, Toews has yet to make an announcement.

Keep an eye out for news on these three players’ futures. One of them could be next in line to hang up his skates.