What happened: Patrick Kane said he jokingly asked Toews about playing another season, and Toews replied that he was thinking about it. Toews retired June 19 after finishing his career with a one-season return to the NHL.
Why it matters: A ceremonial deal would let Toews formally close his career with the franchise he captained to three Stanley Cups. Kane’s two-year, $16 million return gives Chicago another link to its championship era.
By the numbers: Toews recorded 372 goals and 883 points in 1,067 regular-season games across 15 seasons with Chicago. He captained the Blackhawks to Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013 and 2015.
What to watch: The next step would be a formal agreement and a date for the ceremony.